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The Ultimate Fashion Blog

What's So Special About Red-Soled Shoes

I was reading this story on Forbes by Raquel Laneri who knows her stuff and I just love reading her blogs.

What caught my eye to the story apart from the fact that Raquel Laneri was writing about one of my fave shoe designers, was the educative element of her story.

For instance when it was mentioned that in Western societies, red has long served as a symbol of ferocity and power, worn by soldiers, monarchs, etc

French shoemaker Christian Louboutin — known for his sexy stilettos and his trademark scarlet soles — is planning to appeal a New York Court decision that gives rival company Yves Saint Laurent permission to continue producing its own red-soled shoes. The ruling means that other shoe companies — from Jimmy Choo to Payless — could start producing their own red-bottomed shoes, diluting Louboutin’s brand and signature. Some online commentators have wondered why Louboutin and others are so crazy about red soles. Can’t YSL find another color? Can’t Louboutin get over himself? Why is this even an issue?

Some context: Louboutin has painted the soles of his shoes red since 1992, when he first swiped some bright nail polish on a pair for the hell of it. Soon - thanks to a devoted celebrity clientele and a prominent role in the Sex and the City film - the red sole became inextricably linked with Louboutin's name. He trademarked it in 2008.

For Louboutin, red symbolizes sex and sensuality - and serves as a crafty, subtle branding tool.


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