Footwear designer Christian Louboutin shares insights into his creative partnership with John Galliano, discussing their recent fashion show and upcoming collection.
Renowned footwear designer Christian Louboutin has recently shared insights into his collaboration with legendary fashion designer John Galliano during a pivotal moment in Galliano’s career. This partnership took shape during a lunch meeting where Galliano, overwhelmed with creative energy and excitement, proposed the idea to Louboutin. “Would you consider doing something with me?” Galliano asked, to which Louboutin responded affirmatively. This conversation sparked a brainstorming session that became integral to Galliano’s recent endeavor at Maison Margiela, marking a significant milestone in his history.
In an interview with Vogue Spain, Louboutin elaborated on the complexity of their collaboration, revealing that while Galliano has always had a fascination with footwear, he had never designed shoes until now. Louboutin was excited to be a part of this venture, which involved gathering key figures skilled in various aspects of design. The collaboration demanded intense planning, with Louboutin noting, “We work almost a year in advance and it was very complicated,” referencing the intricate designs that characterized Galliano’s haute couture pieces.
The culmination of their efforts was showcased in a recent fashion show held beneath the iconic Alexandre III bridge in Paris. The event was not only a display of Galliano’s creations but also a testament to his artistic vision, with Louboutin describing it as “pure perfection.” He reflected on the ambiance of the evening, saying it felt like a throwback to a “Brassaï moment,” enhanced by the unique styling of Pat McGrath, who crafted extraordinary second-skin makeup looks and shiny face masks for the models.
Louboutin expressed deep emotional resonance with the show, highlighting that it transcended garments to create a magical atmosphere. “The level of emotion of the show, not just in the clothes, but in the show itself: it was truly a magical moment. It’s poetry and magic,” he stated. He recounted that it took 40 years of Galliano’s career to evoke such a powerful reaction from him, culminating in a tear-filled response to the runway presentation.
Following this impactful show, Louboutin is now working on a second collection for Maison Margiela, drawing inspiration from the silhouettes showcased in the show. He confirmed that the new designs will be available in select stores, specifically mentioning, “So they will be sold at Margiela and they will be sold at Louboutin!” Louboutin also noted Galliano’s enduring interest in tribal clothing, theatrical designs, and cultural references, illustrating the rich source of inspiration that fuels their collaborative work.
Source: Noah Wire Services
