In a massive announcement, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) partners with iconic Parisian luxury house Christian Louboutin in what could be considered the most exciting joint venture of the year, with both parties holding equal stakes. “We are excited to partner with ABFRL’s team and look forward to working with them to manage and develop the business in India, which is an extremely important market for us,” commented  Alexis Mourot, Christian Louboutin’s Group CEO. 

It’s no secret that Christian Louboutin is a big fan of India, doing not just exclusive collections for the local market—the recent launch of The India Wedding Edit made a loud noise—but also comes to the country every year for pleasure as much as he does business. His love for bold colours and intricate embroidery that stamps some of his iconic silhouettes are often inspired by India.  

For ABFRL, which has been at the forefront of hot brand partnerships, it’s another exciting addition to their growing portfolio of big names, which includes Indian powerhouses like Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Shantnu & Nikhil and The Collective, which is the country’s largest multi-brand retailer of international labels.  

Louboutin’s Indian business will now be incorporated as a subsidiary of ABFRL and that can only mean an aggressive expansion across the country. “We are excited to welcome Christian Louboutin into the ABFRL family and build a strong platform for the brand in India. The brand’s distinctive style and craftsmanship appeals to a discerning Indian audience that is growing rapidly,” says Sathyajit Radhakrishnan, CEO of International Business, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited.