The first UK retrospective dedicated to Christian Louboutin. The exhibition at the Design Museum in London showcases a selection of his incredible shoe designs.
Finally the long awaited exhibition of Christian Louboutin at the Design Museum in London is coming up on May 1st. This is the first UK retrospective dedicated to this iconic French shoe designer; a man who has pushed the boundaries of high fashion shoe design. The show, that will close next July 9th, celebrates Louboutin’s career to date and explores twenty years of designs and inspiration.
The exhibition showcases Louboutin´s shoe designs (stilettos, lace-up boots, studded sneakers, bejeweled pumps…) and latest collections, including a range for men and desirable bags. It also examines his handcrafted shoe, one-off designs which incorporate his highly innovative ideas, forms and materials. There is an special section dedicated to the shoes designed for ‘Fetish’, an exhibition held at the La Galerie Du Passage, Paris in 2007 that resulted of the collaboration between Louboutin and acclaimed artist and film maker David Lynch.
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- Christian Louboutin Paola Botty Lace Mesh Knee high Boot, © Phillippe Garcia from Christian Louboutin Book published by Rizzoli
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- Christian Louboutin Eugenie Dorsay Velvet Crystal Detail Pum, © Phillippe Garcia from Christian Louboutin Book published by Rizzoli
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- Christian Louboutin Engin Spikes Patent PVC Peep Toe Pump, © Phillippe Garcia from Christian Louboutin Book published by Rizzoli
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- Christian Louboutin Bridget Pony Leopard Lace Mesh Detail, © Phillippe Garcia from Christian Louboutin Book published by Rizzoli
Louboutin´s sources of inspiration and his design process
Drawing from the shoe designer´s personal archive, the exhibition explores the origins of the iconic red sole and the artistry and theatricality of Louboutin´s shoe design. It also offers a view of his artistic personality, creative approach and his sources of inspiration: the performance, cabaret and the showgirl; fantasy and fairy tale; art and architecture; film; landscape and travel… Visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity to discover Louboutin’s design proces, from the initial drawing and first prototype through to production in the factory, and the company’s innovative store design in which he is always closely involved.
Louboutin’s exquisite shoes are an unavoidable piece in any fashionista wardrobe. Glamorous and elegant, they always dazzle on red carpets, cinema premieres, luxury and high fashion parties and in all major events of social life. You will instantly recognise them by their glossy red soles. Louboutin´s shoes are a unique fusion of fashion, craftsmanship, engineering and sculpture.
Christian Louboutin (1 May – 9 July); Design Museum, Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD, 10.00 -17.45 daily; last admission: 17.15. Admissions: £10.00 Adults, £9.00 Concessions, £6.00 Students under 12s Free. T: 0870 833 9955; Public information T: 020 7940 8790. www.designmuseum.org
