In a fashion landscape where designers often park themselves in a corner of understated and subtle or brazen and theatrical, you have a maestro like Christian Louboutin, who oscillates between these two wildly different universes like its child’s play. For Louboutin, boldness and elegance aren’t mutually exclusive. And he’s been endorsing this for almost three decades. The shoe impresario has been cushioning the feet of men and women in the sexiest, lushest, most distinguishable shoes replete with everything from porcupine-like spikes to zany metallic studs, neon accents, shimmering perforations and fantastical embellishments—all packaged with a classiness that empowers a wearer to say with pride that they’re wearing a pair of Louboutin’s. Forget that he’s stamped them all with a signature red sole as a marker of fashion royalty status. Just ask every peacock, pop culture influencer and style savant, from Ranveer Singh to Lewis Hamilton, who’re all patrons.
It's no wonder then that Louboutin is perhaps regarded as the most renowned footwear designer in the world. But it’s really his love affair with India, that’s made him all the more endearing to a local market. The Frenchman has been coming to our homeland since he was 16—he’s now 61—and can outsmart you at your own local game. In a previous interview, at a time when he was showcasing a collaborative collection with Sabyasachi—a stalwart in his own right and a good friend of Louboutin’s—in Mumbai to a giddy local fashion crowd, he casually name-dropped Madhuri Dixit and Amitabh Bachchan; spoke about Banarasi weaves; and gave me a comprehensive guide of Rajasthan that made me cower at my ignorance to his rich knowledge. However, it’s not just our country’s colourful offerings that satiate the designer’s creative juices.
Louboutin is one for serious business in India. Last year he entered a joint venture with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited to aggressively expand his brand’s footprint in the country. And this time around, Louboutin paid us a visit to launch The Diwali Edit, a sumptuous capsule collection to celebrate the richness and grandeur of the country’s favourite festival, and the festivities that follow well after. Featuring ribbons, sourced from the designer’s multiple visits to the country as a key component—the collection sees two distinctive men’s shoes. Night on the Gange Diwali pays homage to our sacred river and parallels the triumph of light over darkness with a delicious juxtaposition of a dark fabric and radiant gold spikes to make you glide from evening to night in comfortable, classy fashion. The Marcantonia Diwali is enveloped in an intricate pattern that is both statement-making and carries with it an ease to wear day or night. Both carry Louboutin’s inimitable design sorcery of fusing boldness and elegance. And both will keep you at peak style performance this festive season, and beyond.
You should have an Indian citizenship by now—what makes you keep coming back?
Christian Louboutin: People. Their warmth and generosity. This is without talking about the beauty of the Indian countryside. I’ve been in love with India since I discovered it as a young teenager by way of Indian movies. In my parents’ neighborhood there was a theatre that broadcasted Indian films. I was captivated by the energy, colours and dancing. It motivated me to take my first trip here at the age of 16. Since then, I have never stopped coming.
How have you seen the country evolve in terms of fashion?
CL: I’ve seen changes but a deep attachment to many Indian traditions keeps the country close to its roots and in some way, [keeps their faith] in Indian silhouettes.
What do you see in India today, that you didn’t till a few years ago?
CL: Vulgarity did not exist. Now it does due to a lack of education when people have too much money too quickly.
How did you approach The Diwali Edit?
CL: With a festive touch that’s so important to [India’s] tradition. The Diwali Edit is a celebration of India's spirit—its colours, joy, and vibrant craftsmanship. I approached the collection by incorporating ribbons and fabrics handpicked during my visits to India, reflecting my personal journey and connection with the country. The collection’s design elements, from vivid color palettes to traditional Indian motifs, aim to encapsulate the festive spirit of Diwali, making each piece a tribute to India’s rich culture.
Take me through the idea behind the Night on the Gange and Marcantonia silhouettes?
CL: The Night on the Gange Diwali pays homage to the sacred Ganges River, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, which aligns with Diwali's essence. The design features contrasting dark fabric and radiant golden spikes, creating a striking yet elegant aesthetic for evening wear. The Marcantonia Diwali, on the other hand, is versatile for both day and night, with a sophisticated black and gold combination that exudes understated luxury, reflecting the chic and timeless elegance of Indian style.
For someone who was a promoter of women wearing high heels to then designing diverse ranges of flat footwear and sneakers; how have your design sensibilities changed over time?
CL: The work of a designer is to move constantly without losing yourself in the notion too short of trends
You’d once told me that you’d designed a special Smartic shoe for the late Kobe Bryant because of his long, thin feet. Which other celebrities have you customised shoes for?
CL: If you like people, you also listen to their desires. The last one who comes to my mind is Taylor Swift. I have worked on her shows for a year and more. It was totally satisfying, she’s great.
What are big men’s footwear trends to keep an eye out for?
CL: The men’s collection, with styles like the Night on the Gange and Marcantonia, hints at trends that combine elegance with comfort. Look out for designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, featuring luxe materials, bold colours, and standout embellishments like golden spikes, which add a touch of opulence and individuality to men’s footwear.
How do you remain motivated even today to keep designing more?
CL: I’ve been lucky enough to transform my passion into my work so remaining motivated is very related to being enthusiastic about new people and new cultures, and to keep travelling the world to stay inspired. Working with pleasure is in my DNA. No doubt.
