Christian Louboutin

Born and raised in Paris Louboutin was the only son of a cabinet-maker. Louboutin as a teenager began sketching shoes. Turning his back on his academic studies, Louboutin first employed as a backstage dresser for the performers at the Folies Bergères, a cabaret. Louboutin went on to become a freelance designer of women's shoes for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Maud Frizon. 

In 1991 Louboutin opened a Paris shoe salon.  Princess Caroline of Monaco was his first customer. Princess Caroline’s praise of Louboutin’s salon got his known. In his first year, Louboutin sold only 200 pairs of shoes. Today, he sells 700,000. The business is expected to increase over 40 percent annually. 

Sales to Americans account for over half of Louboutin’s revenue. Sales are also brisk in Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Asia, and Japan. $300 million in annual revenue is from the sale of shoes. The remainder comes from purses and handbags. Louboutin employs 420 staff. Shoes are mainly manufactured in Milan. Louboutin shoes sold in-store and online as well as through various luxury retailers including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Joseph, Browns, Matches, Cricket, nd Cruise.

Since Princess Caroline’s endorsement Louboutin has gained fame from stars for his fabulous footwear. Angelina Jolie’s custom Christian Louboutin heels in white and black were inspired by the movie “Maleficent”. She wore a gold pair in Shanghai this week. The famous actress has already showcased different versions of the shoes in Paris and London. The gold footwear was unveiled exclusively for the film's Asian debut.