Christian Louboutin ushers in a new era with the introduction of Jaden Smith as the men’s creative director. As Smith’s debut for the iconic French maison, FW26 doesn’t just mark the first assignment in his new role, it also marks the brand’s first-ever creative director beyond its namesake. Before the beginning of his tenure, it’s a brand that’s synonymous with gravity-defying red bottoms worn by the likes of Kate Moss, Zendaya; velvet dress slippers and studded loafers worn by sleekly-dressed men who weren’t afraid to express their flamboyance. Smith, given his prominence as Hollywood royalty, has brought an air of American ease — a Californian one, to be exact — to the otherwise precise and severe edge of Louboutin.
Upon first impression, you can find unmistakable traces of Jaden Smith’s Los Angeles sensibilities in his design language. At the heart of the collection are the Molten Trapment boots, as they embody Smith’s vision of avant garde-meets-industrial goth. The signature red hue that was once kept as a wink and a nod underneath the soles has now been placed front and centre, dripping from the shoe.
Breathing new life into the classic penny loafer silhouette, the Plato Loafers now come in a plethora of finishes, from smooth calf leather, supple suede and the instant showstopper, the Plato Dots version. Inspired by the idea of constant transformation, the Plato Dots Loafers which feature laser cutouts — resembling eyes of Swiss cheese — allow the wearer to instantly change up the appearance of the shoe by wearing different coloured socks.
Another recurring motif in this collection is the Calf Moises, shot by Smith’s friend, actor-turned-photographer Moisés Arias (who used to play Rico on Hannah Montana!). The print depicts a crowd partying at La Fête de la Musique in Paris, evoking the exuberance of nightlife. Resembling an abstract gradient from afar, the long exposure print finds itself on an array of small leather goods and shoots, solidifying itself as another important element in Smith’s debut.
As a vital part of LA youth culture, Smith also pays homage to the skate scene with his own spin on the skate shoe. Complete with a dizzying mix of pearls and crystals, the Tactical Skate shoe combines Smith’s laidback West Coast spirit with Louboutin’s audacious approach to luxury. Another icon of the house, the Louis Jr Spikes sneaker, has been redesigned with canvas lining to allow for flexibility and comfort.
Where styles between LA and KL truly converge is through the Summer Flat Rubber flip-flops — a sleek pair of sandals that allow the wearer to move with ease. Both a bestseller and a personal favourite of Smith’s, the flip-flops help him stay grounded and connected to the earth beneath him. A new interpretation of the logo, known as the Canopy, also finds its way into other accessories like eyewear and belts.
Under Smith’s direction, shoes have been engineered to bring more comfort to the wearer, including a thicker insole. Aesthetic value does not have to come at the cost of comfort, as the silhouettes chosen are equal parts fantastical and practical. Audacious and whimsical at times, the silhouettes never stray too far from the elements found in a wardrobe of a renaissance man.
Available in limited runs, the collector-worthy debut by Jaden Smith is now available at
Christian Louboutin stores in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and The TRX Exchange.
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