It started with a fire alarm and ended with red soles going underwater. In between, there was acting, dancing and synchronized swimming — with a pole dancer dressed as a fireman, video projections, water games and lots of fun.
While Christian Louboutin has presented his collections with standout performances in landmark Parisian locations for years now, the showman staged his biggest show yet on Friday evening. The designer gave American photographer and music-video director David LaChapelle and choreographer Bianca Li carte blanche to celebrate dance in all forms.
Guests pilgrimed all the way to the 16th arrondissement to reach the Piscine Molitor swimming pool, which became the stage for “Paris is Louboutining,” a unique show that surfed the wave of fashion’s fascination with sports and evoked water ballets of ’50s Hollywood cinema with its involvement of France’s synchronized swim team.
On a live soundtrack courtesy of singer LP, the team performed different choreographies around a grand central fountain while donning Louboutin’s glossy new Miss Z pumps, displayed in different metallic hues. Swimmers’ looks came with Fifi Chachnil swimsuits, Vidal Sassoon-esque hairstyles and Biba-inspired makeup, which added to the overall retro-tinged aesthetic of the show.
Flanking the 15 swimmers, 14 dancers performed in the alcoves defining a monumental façade that came alive with lights and vibrant projections. Completing the setup, a giant pair of Louboutin stiletto mules doubled as slide for the swimmers’ theatrical entrance in the pool.
“I wanted to bring back this feeling of Hollywood cinema from the 20th century but at the same time the result is very contemporary. What is beautiful is to inspire ourselves in the past to create something of today,” said LaChapelle, who also directed a film on the event, to be released on the brand’s website.
As revealed in a preview with WWD, Daphne Guinness suggested Louboutin to get in touch with LaChapelle for the presentation concept, given his flair for stylized and impeccable imagery, often situated around water.
The shoemaker is a fan of synchronized swimming himself, a passion that comes second only to the one for dance, which has been a source of inspiration for him since his days as an intern at Les Folies Bergère in Paris.
“Something the three of us clearly have in common is our love for dance,” said the shoemaker in reference to LaChapelle and Li. “Blanca made it her world, David some of his major art works, and me, I also started by designing shoes for dancers,” he recalled.
In the recent past, Louboutin has repeatedly included the world of dance in his presentation formats, spanning from more cabaret-style performances to edgier takes, as the one developed with renowned choreographer Sadeck Berrabah last year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his iconic red soles.
The brand’s signature design element took center stage also on Friday, as it made for a popping effect emerging above the water at swimmers’ feet. In the Miss Z style, the red soles are further highlighted thanks to the new graphic heel designed to look higher than it actually is.
The pointy pumps are part of a wider spring 2025 collection, which was largely inspired by the “Beauty and the Beast” story tale in its duality of feminine codes and raw vibes.
The story’s red rose appeared in a new print splashed on pumps, sandals, flats and sneakers and that was further embellished with hand-applied crystals in a limited-edition version. Other special takes on the theme included the sculptural heels of the Belle range, the crystal straps of the Just Jewel and Rosalie Jewel sandals and the 1,000 spikes covering the Estepic pumps.
Ditto for the Mr Clawiss ankle boots for men, featuring animalistic claw-like metal spikes, and the Dandelion Fellina flashy loafers.
For the very first time, the brand also released a full range of eyewear in metal or sleek acetate for men and women, as part of its licensing deal with Italian eyewear manufacturer Marcolin that was signed earlier this year.
