Starting February 26, 2020, a major exhibition celebrating works and creativities of French fashion designer Christian Louboutin is set to enthral audiences at the Palais de la Porte Dorée. Here’s all we know about it. By Bayar Jain
French fashion is no hidden secret, and French fashion designer Christian Louboutin is not an unknown name either. Following almost three decades worth of his signature shiny, red-lacquered soles leaving us spellbound, the Palais de la Porte Dorée has decided to devote an entire exhibition to his name. Starting on February 26, the exhibition will showcase the renowned footwear designer’s most precious works. Additionally, a large selection of his never-seen-before shoes will also be exhibited.
Apart from the designer’s own historic and artistic pieces, collaborations paying tribute to his admiration for craftsman’s know-how will also find a space here. Pieces such as stained glass panels created by the La Maison du Vitrail; a Sevillian silver palanquin; and a cabaret sculpted in Bhutan will be there to charm your admiration. People close to the French craftsmen, such as director and photographer David Lynch, New Zealand’s multimedia artist Lisa Reihana, British designer duo Whitaker Malem, Spanish choreographer Blanca Li, and Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi will also be unveiling their exclusive collaborations.
The exhibition space Palais de la Porte Dorée itself doubles as an ode to the designer. From an early age, Louboutin was fascinated by the architectural beauty and ornamental richness of this institution, which was one of the first influences feeding his love of art and applied arts. His first designs – including the iconic Maquereau shoe – borrowed forms and motifs from the Palais. In fact, the very basis for his empire today can be credited to a sign put up at the Palais. The then young adolescent Louboutin noticed a sign forbidding visitors from wearing high heeled shoes, compelling him to give rise to the iconic Pigalle shoe which has been reinvented over the course of the seasons.
Since his early years, Christian Louboutin has infused motifs and designs from various arts and cultures. Paired with a passion to travel, his designs continue to underline his penchant for flamboyant and daring styles. References from the worlds of pop culture, theatre, dance, literature, and cinema resonate in each of his creations.
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Written By
Bayar Jain
Senior Content ManagerEquipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing ..Read More
