Christian Louboutin Celebrates Thirty Years of Signature Red Sole

The unmistakable flash of red on the bottom of a Christian Louboutin shoe is an instantly recognizable statement. This year, the famed scarlet sole will be celebrating 30 years since its conception—a story of fashion genius, creative vision, and a twist of spontaneity.

It was 1993, and Christian Louboutin was reviewing prototypes in his Paris studio when one from an Italian factory crossed his desk. Called “Pensée,” the silk shoe met the designer’s expectations in all but one aspect: the black soles, which appeared heavy in person, giving the shoes a clunky, less refined look.