Christian Louboutin is a French luxury footwear and fashion house founded in 1991 by Christian Louboutin in Paris. The brand is privately held, with the founder retaining a significant stake. In 2020, an Italian investment vehicle acquired a 24 percent stake, and in 2023 it was reported that the Agnelli family's Exor holding company had acquired a stake in the brand.
Christian Louboutin is identified by the lacquered red sole on its shoes, a design element introduced in 1993 that has become one of the most recognized brand signatures in the luxury industry. The red sole has been the subject of trademark registrations and legal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. The brand's shoes are known for their high heels, pointed silhouettes, and decorative embellishments including studs, crystals, and embroidery.
The product range centers on women's and men's footwear, and has expanded to include handbags, small leather goods, belts, fragrances, and beauty products (Christian Louboutin Beaute, including lipsticks and nail lacquers). The So Kate pump, Pigalle, Kate, and Iriza are among the brand's most recognized shoe styles. The brand also produces sneakers, including the Louis Junior and Viera lines, which have expanded its customer base.
Christian Louboutin operates over 150 boutiques worldwide, with flagships in Paris, New York, London, and major cities across Asia and the Middle East. Products are also sold through select luxury department stores, multi-brand retailers, and the brand's e-commerce platform. The shoes are handcrafted primarily in Italy. Christian Louboutin maintains a presence in the red carpet and celebrity culture, with the brand's shoes regularly worn at high-profile events.