The master of red-soled shoes, Christian Louboutin, has been charmed by India for a long time, and his fascination began when he was 15. His love for India has translated into frequent visits during the years, which have inspired his creative journey and shaped his design ethos. As Louboutin has launched his Diwali Edit this October, he channels his enduring enthusiasm for Indian fabrics into this celebratory, limited edition, fusing old with new against his signature elegance.
What makes the Diwali edit special?
This Diwali Edit stands out as a deeply personal project for Louboutin as he infuses ideas collected through his travels within India. Each piece wears ribbons chosen and picked from his very own archive, woven as distinct narratives. The use of the colors—puckish fuchsia and rose upon deep yellows and reds, and rich golds—gives vivid tribute, an expression that is vividly given to Diwali.
[Source- Grazia]
But while it is the men who dominate the main line with their super-glam looks, some of Maison's best work is saved for its women's line, most recently featuring the Loubi54 clutch, which is lavish in its ornamentation using a riot of golden rhinestones, and the classic Lady Bombay Diwali shoes, which combines classical Indian patterns in an ultra-modernist vision. In a conversation with Grazia, Louboutin highlighted his intention to honor “the essence of the modern, empowered woman,” with pieces that embody the festive joy of Diwali and the beauty of Indian artistry.
Speaking about his lifelong association with India, Louboutin told Grazia: “India has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, even before I started my career as a shoe designer. My parents lived near the cinema L’Athena in Paris, where they screened movies from Egypt, but mostly from India. I was mesmerized by the colors, the music, the energy – it has stayed with me ever since. That’s what the Diwali Edit is about – love, vivid colors, and a passion for craftsmanship.”
[Source- Grazia]
The collection's color palette reflects his passion as each shade echoes the brightness and light of Diwali. Fuchsia, rose, and teal play against warm tones of yellow and red in richly harmonious contrast, but it's the accents of gold that express wealth and illumination in the festival. With this collection, Louboutin hopes to bring positivity out and grasp the idea of Diwali being the triumph of light over darkness.
The Lady Bombay shoes: Tribute to the Spirit of Mumbai
Louboutin has also related to India through its iconic cities. He particularly loves the energy and vibrancy filling the streets of Mumbai and sought to translate this spirit into his designs. Lady Bombay Diwali is a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of women in Mumbai, where bold pink tones merge with rhinestones, fishnet, and intricate Indian fabrics to represent the unique confluence of tradition and modernity.
[Source- Grazia]
The house hopes that this collection speaks to the people of the world and not just designs. Rather, it connects to a cultural narrative. "Through this collection, I hope my global audience not only appreciates the aesthetic beauty but also connects with the cultural narrative of India. It’s about sharing the joy, light, and celebration of Diwali, and I hope that resonates with everyone who experiences this collection,” he expressed.
Something beyond luxury style, the Diwali Edit by Christian Louboutin is in reality an invitation to celebrate Diwali's spirit of reflection with light and joy and all that embodies Indian craftsmanship.