Designer Snapshot: CL

The footwear that catches your gaze from far distances away? The one no A-list event is complete without? One of the first and only fashion powerhouses to attempt to patent a color vs. an idea or signature style?

Perhaps the most sought after shoe on the planet, Christian Louboutin's unique and sometimes controversial designs are highly crafted works of art in wearable form. Instantly recognizable with a signature flash of its red sole, the shoe is an enigma amongst other designer creations and has celebrities, socialites, and shoe-lovers constantly abuzz.

A problematic student who was expelled three times, then ran away from home at age 12 to never return was destined for greatness when he started drawing shoe sketches in his formative early teens.  Still notorious for altercations as an adult today, he defends his four to six-inch creations with unapologetic statements such as "heels should be painful" and "if you can't walk in them, don't wear them". Clearly, the French cobbler has no qualms about the shoes he designs with the goal that they simply be "like jewels". While such sentiments have caused an uproar in feminist circles, the blase attitude towards comfort ("I'm concerned with comfort. But I don't want to have this evoked in my design") is perhaps what has led to the infamous production of the most unwearable shoe ever.

The Louboutin Ballet Heel. These would look stellar right above my fireplace.

Here's a Quick Overview On A Few Of the Most Sought-After Styles...

The exaggerated platform on the Daffodiles is perhaps the most popular and consistently revamped style - one of the basics he constantly reworks, adding crystals, pops of color, and interesting patterns on the signature design. Beyonce Knowles made headlines when she sported the Strass version uber-casually courtside with hubby Jay-Z at Madison Square Garden. She has also been spotted in the Geometric, Bleu Saphir, and basic black versions. Don't be intimidated by the height. If the size is right, these can be quite sturdy and comfortable. Well....more so than they look!

The Daffodile

The Bianca is a more classic design available in more than one height, the 140 mm being the most popular. This style also comes in a variety of colors and finishes, including our favorite, the patent nude as demonstrated here by Nicole Richie:

The Bianca

Just got a pedi that demands to be showcased? There is no better way than the Lady Peeps. Another standout design  available in studded, patent, solid, embroidered, printed, animal printed, textured.....these are the blueprint to many a Louboutin fantasy....

Lady Peeps

For a peeptoe with Daffodile-ique flair....we have the Lady Highness. Madonna seems to have taken a liking to this particular pair....and it's been the archetype for a particular edgy Eastern design in stores now. The Dragon tattoo is said to evoke the elements of power and courage. Spot-on.

In an effort to build a wardrobe that consists of certain key pieces of timeless quality and style, Louboutins are well worth the investment. If you have ever admired, tried on, or thought about buying a pair of these beauties....here is some insight into the exciting yet daunting task.

You Are Not Just Paying For the Brand Name - As with any designer piece, far more than status or brand recognition, you are paying for a high quality shoe. Crafted with the utmost care and precision, they are built to last. Top notch leathers, state-of-the-art design, construction, and aesthetic promise a superior shoe wearing experience, guaranteed. The brand is certainly worth the one-time splurge if you go for a classic pair that you can wear with anything and everything. 

They Are Hard to Come By - There are only a few retailers out there that feature them: Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Barney's, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Nordstrom Salons. Net-A-Porter.com and of course ChristianLouboutin.com offer them as well, but if there was ever a purchase you needed to try on in person to get a true idea for fit, feel, and overall effect (we discuss why below), it is this. Of course if you like to live on the edge, you can always buy them on eBay. But please don't. Wear these instead:

Do Your Homework - Because of their immense popularity,  this means doing a check on inventory at your local retailers mentioned above. Call ahead of time and ask specific questions about stock, latest shipments, styles, and sizes (be sure to specify CHRISTIAN Louboutin...otherwise you may get connected to Louis Vuitton handbags). You may be able to find and drool over your favorite style online, but there's a chance it's sold out in your size or not available at all at your local store. Because these top-notch retailers pride themselves on service, it's easy to build a relationship with a sales associate and keep in touch in order to ensure you are included in the next round of distribution.

Buy A Size Up! Take our word for it - these are perhaps the tiniest shoes on the market. Because it's an investment, you want to be absolutely positive the fit is on-point. A size and a half up may not hurt either. But your usual size definitely will.

They streeeeeetch! Don't buy TOO much larger than your current size. Even if you're tempted because they're out of your size (remember, only one to one-and-a-half sizes up from your usual....confused? See the tip above). The shoe will feel a bit tighter, even when you buy a size up. The rule of thumb is, even if they feel snug...you should still be able to wiggle your toes in them. Otherwise, go up a size. Wear them around the house, break them in. They will conform to your feet. We promise.

Seal That Ruby Red Sole, As It Will Get Scuffed - There's nothing sadder than a scratched up, lacerated Loubi sole. Retailers sometimes provide this additional service for a small cost, and it's a service that's completely worth it, not to mention necessary. It will run you around 3-4% of the total price of the shoe. Really, no need to think twice.  If your retailer can't do it,  they can usually refer you to a trusted local cobbler with experience in sealing these babies. We did once speak to an associate who refused to do them, citing heal breakage due to the deleveling of the heel to the platform....but we didn't listen. Don't wear without protection! And please, steer clear of the tempation to use common household items to self service your new "jewels"  (this includes clear nail polish. Yes, we have heard the horrific tales of heart wrenching abuse out there).  Your brand-spanking-new sammy red bottoms deserve better than that. 

                                                            

      Not hot! Put that foot down

Oh and the mystery shoe in the header? The Christian Louboutin Dafoura from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Available at select retailers mentioned above.

Written by Saba Ali - stylist, writer, founder and sole-proprietor of SBD - Image Consulting

Feel free to comment, provide feedback, or follow! Or email me with questions or concerns at  stylebydesign.sbd@gmail.com