Louboutin worked once more in close partnership with New York based architectural design company 212Box to create and deliver an innovative interior design whose elements combine the elegant character of the building with its local environs achieving a signature dynamic Christian Louboutin space.
Upon entering the ground floor of the two storey space, visitors are welcomed into the room by the signature Christian Louboutin red carpet, seen here in a deeper, more masculine hue and accompanied by a geometric rawhide border. The bay window at the front of the boutique creates a natural seating bank, with the area marked out by a luxurious white hide flooring.
In the center of the space sits the distinctive Tiikeri clad cash desk. This sustainable material, made from reclaimed sorghum stalks, takes its name from the Finnish for Tiger alluding to its distinguishing natural markings. Further freestanding furniture within the space includes furniture from independent London design firm Squint, who created bespoke hand crafted seating solutions for the boutique using a colourful geometric woven vintage fabrics sourced by Christian on his travels. A hint of the designers love of travel and craftsmanship is evident in Jean-Francois Lesage’s humorous yet beautiful hand embroidered Tiger Rugs which occupy the floor.
Extraordinary leather-work rhombus wall panels, as seen in the original Christian Louboutin Men's location in Paris, are installed throughout enriched with embroidered detailing. Principal designer Eric Clough explains, “We really tried to use every leather process a shoe maker would use – with textures varying from lambskin to raw hide”. Innovative combinations of textures are also found in product display units; a small leather goods chest features a futuristic metal and glass finish to its upper whilst its foundations are clad in colourful reclaimed New England tin tiles, often featured in our women’s stores.
At the rear of the space, oversize cut out metal work denoting the designers name dominates a frosted window alongside gyroscope displays, echoing those of its sister stores, re-invented in a tinted acrylic. A staircase leads down to the secondary retail space, a haven for private shopping appointments. Here studded concentric display stands and turquoise blue carpets denote a change of ambiance, with comfortable banquets offering an ideal setting for more leisurely perusals.
The first collection of trainers and studded loafers was initially introduced in spring 2010, a natural progression for Louboutin who had been making men’s shoes for friends, performers and as part of special collaborations for most of his 20 year career. In recent years the collections have expanded significantly and now encompass styles to furnish the complete needs of the modern man. The Autumn Winter 2012 typifies the breath and diversity of Mr. Louboutin’s imaginative designs; the formal luxury of the Bruno, the playful Roy, signature spiked Louis trainer and the fashion forward heeled David boot are distinct styles which share a common theme as examples of masterful craftsmanship.
The first dedicated space opened in Paris in September 2011 to accommodate the growing demand and popularity of Louboutin’s men’s offering. The opening of the world’s second Men's boutique opened in August 2012 in New York City’s Meatpacking District, followed by an opening on Robertson Boulevard, LA, this Autumn. The Dover Street addition will offer customers the widest range of men’s shoes and bags in the UK.
CHRISTIANLOUBOUTIN.COM
IMAGES - Susie Rea
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