If ever there was a time for innovation, this is it. In an unprecedented move, Christian Louboutin presented its Spring-Summer 2021 collection virtually via the Zepeto mobile application. Having always embraced new technologies whilst remaining true to its respect for artisanal savoir-faire, the Maison’s latest collection speaks to its pioneering spirit.
Whether it’s everyday styles in creative materials and colours, or new technical novelties and avant-garde designs, Spring-Summer 2021 promises to be rich and full of surprises. This is Christian Louboutin after all! www.christianlouboutin.com – #LOUBOUTINWORLD – www.instagram.com/louboutinworld
KALTBLUT editor in chief @marcel_schlutt for #LOUBOUTINWORLD S/S21
KALTBLUT womenswear editor @nicosutorfashion for #LOUBOUTINWORLD S/S21
THIS MODERN LIFE(STYLE)
With more and more of us living multi-hyphenate lives, the key to a wardrobe that can keep up is variety. Kicking the season off in high-octane style, wintery styles take the signature elements of Christian Louboutin’s most iconic designs and reimagines them for the everyday. Leopard print stars on patchwork uppers whilst fringes bring a touch of theatrics to tall knee-high boots. Dropping later on in the season, palate-cleansing hues come in the form of fresh pastels with a firm focus on effortless flats and feminine kitten heels. New tie-dyed denim styles across men’s and women’s style, particularly kitten heels, bring an element of refinement to a timeless fashion staple.
It wouldn’t be a summer collection without some sunshine-ready styles, and these certainly don’t disappoint. Reflecting Maison’s respect for traditional savoir-faire, the brand new Loubishore tote is hand-woven from dried palm tree leaves and features a signature Loubi red base. The epitome of relaxed elegance, each piece is unique due to the material’s natural colour variations, lending an artisanal charm to proceedings. Menswear too has its fair share of summer must-haves, namely the Espadon mule which brings a fun, modern twist on the classic espadrille. Featuring an authentic construction with a rope sole that’s hand-stitched to the upper, its collapsible heel gives it an air of refined nonchalance that’s ideal for those hot sunny days.
THE SNEAKER EDIT
No sartorial lineup would be complete without a sneaker and Maison’s offering just got bigger and better. The Loubishark continues its upwards ascent with seasonal colourways for both men and women and the new Summer Loubishark sandal for men. Resolutely fashion-forward, this sporty style is designed for maximum comfort making it the perfect choice for a day of exploring. Featuring either neoprene or mesh upper, mixed materials and a distinctive Loubishark sole make this new style a warm-weather must-have for trendsetters and bold personalities alike. Also new to the Loubishark family is the Sharkina sneaker for women. Featuring a transparent PVC upper and black, white or neon accents, this new take on the classic Loubishark makes for an even bolder fashion statement. Completing the men’s sneaker offer, the Happyrui is back with a high-top offering. Set atop chunky rubber soles and inspired by traditional basketball sneakers, the Top Rui exudes a cool retro feel thanks to its perforated toe box and varsity-inspired CL Paris signature.
INNOVATION & DESIGN
As ever at Christian Louboutin, innovation is always at the forefront of the design process and the new season has more than one trick up its sleeve. First up is the new Pic heel, designed to make the foot look as though it were standing on its tiptoes. Playing with the contrast between its delicacy and resemblance to an architectural metal pick, it beautifully highlights the ankle and the arch of the foot.
The men’s collection too has plenty of original details to spare, starting with the retro-futurist Vida Viva sneaker’s transparent technical rubber overshoe. Fully detachable, it protects the sole from rain and dirt but also gives the wearer the option to create two distinctively looking styles of shoe.
While Christian Louboutin has been leading the ‘men in heels’ charge for quite some time now, this season, he’s taking his love of heels even further with the launch of the new 11cm Stage Platform. Featured on a number of boots, this daring new platform heel nods to the fabulous glam rock performers of the 70s.
On leather goods, innovation strikes again in the form of new mini accessories that you can wear anywhere – quite literally! Air pod holders feature a hook that allows them to be hung from a keyring, a necklace or a zipper, whilst the new cardholders are either designed to be strapped directly onto ankles and wrists or feature a leather neck strap. In keeping with the small but mighty theme, the Kypipouch has also been reimagined in nano format.
ICONS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE
Those looking to Christian Louboutin for its iconic styles need to look no further. Timeless yet in constant evolution, Christian Louboutin’s most well-loved pieces are back with a new look this season. Appealing as ever, the one and only Kate pump get a glamorous makeover for Spring-Summer 2021 with a glittering all-over strass sole in Louboutin red. With only 50 pairs available worldwide, this one-of-a-kind style is set to be an instant collector’s piece. For the very first time, the Kate pump is also welcomed into the Nudes family and will launch with a matching insole.
Two other stars of the Maison’s, the Elisa and the Paloma are back and more versatile than ever with mini and nano versions. Small but mighty, these include mini-chain and baguette styles, as well as mini and nano scarf-embellished top-handle styles.
Last but not least, Maison’s classic city shoes for men have been revisited with a number of new sleek finishing touches. Striking the perfect balance between formal elegance and wearability, the new CL buckle features on several monk strap styles providing a rakish alternative to the more traditional lace-up Oxford or Derby shoe.
Available in stores from November 2020, the good news is you won’t have to wait much longer to dive right into the new season!
