RED BOTTOMS UP WITH LOUBOUTIN’S CRUISE COLLECTION
words by VERONICA TLAPANCO SZABÓ
Christian Louboutin has never wandered far from centre stage. Throwback to his early career which didn’t start in a classic design studio but rather behind the red curtain at Folies Bergère in Paris, crouched down piecing together the most darling shoes for showgirls. This fascination for performing arts and theatrical fantasies comes roaring back to life in the Cruise 2026 collection, a full-throttle expression of his lifelong obsession. First teased during the buzzing Loubi Show, the collection has this undeniable razzle dazzle that the cheerleading and marching band-ing only amplified. This campaign also made sure not to miss a beat, by framing each piece from the Cassia line (a ballet silhouetted shoe) and the Ruben shoe (yet another elegant reimagining of men’s footwear) in a new Louboutin corporate landscape.
all images courtesy of CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Using Mademoiselle Eiffel as a backdrop, the mundane paper piles and printer scanner have a whole new allure when the Cassiasticina ballerina is placed amongst them. Its design very heavily leans on the classic dancer shoe silhouette, crafted from black lamb nappa leather and poupée crepe satin, the shoe is fastened by, you guessed it, two elastic straps that cross over. Now what is decidedly new about this design is the “Everlasting Red” sole, achieved by an innovative coating technique. The fashion house has thus created an even longer lasting legacy for its signature Louboutin red sole.
Trotting elsewhere in the city, the Yangzee boot calls out (from a traffic cone?), made from bronzo brown Cordia calf leather with a faux fur finish, the stiletto and silhouette work hand in hand to perpetuate that Louboutin theatrical flair. Speaking of flair (it isn’t just limited to the women’s collection) this sense of performance is perpetuated in the Chambelisneak sneaker with its eye catching metallic collar pin meanwhile the Mocallista loafer in black and Last Night blue renditions keeps the notes of eccentricity high with the stamp of a coin.
Last but not least the Venus bag, is more rollicking than ever, with its rounded handles curving into Miss Z sole shaped chapes in the beloved Amara shade. And if you really want to lean into the curve the Aquabootie is the way to go, cause standing a whole 16cm taller the shoe gives you the perfect vantage point to rise above the noise!
