Christian Louboutin’s red sole shoes have become a beacon of luxury footwear in the realm of designer labels. The iconic red bottoms are not only a symbol of the Louboutin brand, but of the exorbitant price tag as well. Rocking the red-bottomed shoes says you dwell in the high-dollar world of high fashion. But why exactly are Louboutin shoes so expensive?
With prices ranging from $650 to $6,000, there is no arguing the fact that Louboutin shoes are a lavish purchase. Let’s take a look at what justifies such a high price.
Production Costs of High-end Shoes
It’s no surprise that designer clothing items are expensive. Even in the elite fashion industry though, Louboutins are on the pricier end of the spectrum.
The reason behind the steep cost is simple: producing high-quality merchandise is expensive.
They are Made in Europe
Christian Louboutin himself admits, “It is more expensive to make shoes in Europe now…and it’s for a very boring reason.”
One of the main reasons they are so expensive is because they are made in Europe. As the Euro strengthened against the US dollar over the past decade, the price of producing shoes in Europe has also increased.
High Quality Materials
Another major factor in the high price tag of an already pricey item is the cost of materials.
High-quality materials are necessary when creating a high-end shoe. From Swarovski crystals to exotic furs, the materials used in this trademark footwear are of the finest quality.
Another reason for the high price is that the red-bottomed brand is not the only one in the market for high-quality materials. As competition with Asian factories for quality materials continues to grow, the gap in raw materials also grows. This situation of higher demand and lower supply also factors into the final price of a pair of Louboutin shoes.
Attention to Detail
The attention to detail found in Louboutin’s shoes is legendary. Designed to stand out and make a statement, it’s the unique details that draw attention to the signature shoes.
This careful attention to detail comes through in quality craftsmanship. Like anything that takes more time and effort to create, it’s going to cost a bit more.
Christian Louboutin Shoes are Works of Art
The price of Louboutins is often a deterrent for potential buyers. However, luxury footwear is more a form of art than a piece of equipment.
In the same way someone might curate a collection of fine art, owners of Christian Louboutins are also accumulating works of art. They are just displaying them in through their style, rather than the walls of their home.
Either way, the artwork is used to make a statement to the world and the luxury market is a testament to that.
A Royal Rise to Fame
What is now a globally recognized brand started in a Parisian boutique in 1991. Selling exclusively women’s shoes, one of his first customers was Princess Caroline of Monaco. Often seen on the feet of royalty and celebrities alike, it’s no surprise the brand has become synonymous with extravagance.
Nearly three decades after opening his first boutique, Christian Louboutin has 150 stores around the world. The brand has expanded from women’s shoes and now sells men’s shoes, handbags, and beauty products.
Red Bottom Revolution
His ingenuity of maximizing on a detail often overlooked by other brands has left a giant red footprint in the world of fashion.
The iconic red-bottomed brand began with a less than vibrant sole. It wasn’t until 1993, when Christian Louboutin saw one of his employees painting her nails red, that creativity struck. He took the bottle of polish and painted the sole of a prototype. Thus, a fashion icon was born.
Sky-high High Heels
The red bottoms might be the most widely recognized feature, but the height of the heels is another notable eye-catcher. In fact, the height of the heel is designed to catch the eyes of men.
The core of my work is dedicated not to pleasing women but to pleasing men.”
– Christian Louboutin
Credited for bringing back stilettos at his start, Christian Louboutin high heels range from standard to staggering. A few of his signature shoes top 160 mm, or just over 6 inches (ca. 15 cm).
Entering the Men’s Footwear Market
In 2011, the brand expanded its production to include men’s footwear. The same luxury footwear it had already been providing women for 20 years was now available for men.
Status Symbols
Arguably the biggest reason behind the big price tag is because the red soles are simply a symbol of status.
The notoriously high price tag is just as widely recognized as the red soles themselves. There is no avoiding the fact that they act as a way for their owners to showcase their success to the world.
The red soles have even left their own mark in the world of celebrities, show business, and the music industry.
Soles of the City & the Stage
In Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a famous New York City writer who obsesses over all things designer footwear. Carrie is often seen wearing the red-soled beauties throughout the series.
Jennifer Lopez devoted an entire song to them entitled “Louboutins” and performs on stage wearing the red bottoms.
Cardi B topped music charts for weeks with her song “Bodak Yellow” in which she references the famous bloody shoes:
These expensive, these is red bottoms, these is bloody shoes, ” – Lyrics from “Bodak Yellow”
– Cardi B
She even wears a pair in her music video while riding a camel.
The queen herself, Beyoncé, performed at Coachella 2018 wearing a pair of custom red bottom boots. It was a moment that left lovers of music and fashion alike awestruck.
Red Carpet Regulars
Even on the red carpet, the red-bottomed style stands out. Celebrities wear Christian Louboutin creations as they pose for pictures. Fans will be sure to notice the red bottoms, even from a distance.
The Takeaway: Louboutins are a Shoe Closet Investment
As expensive as Christian Louboutin shoes may be, there is no denying the universal truth: “you get what you pay for.” People from all around the world can agree that Louboutin’s shoes are a statement.
When you pay top dollar for Louboutins, you are making an investment in your wardrobe. Red bottom beauties are not only iconic, they are timeless pieces that will elevate your look no matter how you wear them.
If you’re interested in investing in your shoe closet, let Fine D3sign help you find the perfect luxury footwear to fit your style.