The way to a woman’s sole

Christian Louboutin has been credited with many things, most notably, the birth of a new status symbol — the red sole. As the designer celebrates 20 years in business, Annmarie O’Connor takes a look at two decades of the ultimate foot candy

IF FASHION kills the thing it loves, then its living legacies are a rare breed. Perhaps this is why industry milestones are such cause for celebration. Take cult shoemaker Christian Louboutin who is currently marking 20 years in the business with a series of high profile events and the launch of a special capsule collection. The anniversary line which features 20 iconic red-lacquered styles, updated for 2012, is more than just a shoe in with the public; it’s a snapshot of the man who has captured the hearts and soles of women worldwide.

Since launching his eponymous brand in 1991, Christian Louboutin has been credited with many things: the return of the stiletto, the highest heel (8 inches) outside of the fetish world, and most notably, the birth of a new status symbol — the red sole. Selling an average of 600,000 pairs of ‘Loubis’ a year with women paying on average €500-€1,000 for a taste of his foot candy in 51 boutiques worldwide, this is more than your average shoe obsession. So just what is the appeal?