‘A bag is a diary of a woman, even more truthful than a diary in fact. If you look into a bag of woman, it is all there, like a film trailer.’
Christian Louboutin’s Spring/Summer 2016 handbag collection begins as a diary entry to his first love–––the showgirl. Forever an inspiration to his work, the story transports us to a world he first discovered as a young man in the cabarets of Paris. Mesmerized by the lights, the sounds, and the choreography, he fell in love with the dancers, to him ‘birds of paradise.’ The cabaret’s marvels in mind as he began work on the Spring/Summer 2016 handbag collection, Louboutin imagined an expression of the show in a more tangible form – the Paloma.
He began with the fundamentals–––a showgirl’s legs. He imagined them in high heeled Christian Louboutin shoes, which inspired the curvaceous line of Paloma’s nude calfskin handles that disappear seamlessly into the bag. He recalled the cheeky salute of dancers through the theater house curtain, a hallmark of the performance heightened by the rhythmic veiling and unveiling of the dancers’ bodies. On Paloma, in turn, a tantalizing glimpse of Louboutin’s omnipresent red peers through a gusseted side construction, alongside a panel of playful leopard printed patent leather. “For the Paloma, I reminisced about the dark setting, and elements of leopard print, always there was an element of leopard print, from a bathrobe to underwear strewn about the dressing room,” says Christian. Gleaming gold spikes adorning the side panels, placed diagonally as opposed to linearly, evoke archetypal cabaret stage lights, a statement of style drawing the spotlight onto Paloma. In a final unprecedented number of new silhouettes and a significant update to Louboutin’s most loved styles, every element of the design and construction have been carefully considered, and meticulously accounted for. This includes the custom development of natural leathers, carefully selected hardware elements and charming, unexpected details, all driven by a mix of design and function
In addition to Paloma, the SS16 collection delivers a whole new cast of leading ladies, including the Vanity clutch. Structured, modern and chic, the Vanity is spacious enough to transition easily from day to evening, boasting a red enamel clasp first seen in the Passage collection and a removable infinity chain strap. It comes in three colourways including mystical demi-lune spikes and a striking, exotic Python Parrot skin also found on select shoe styles for Spring/Summer ‘16. Sexy and sleek, Vanity combines a rare mix of opulence and minimalism no matter the material.
Another fresh addition is Triloubi, a versatile, compact crossbody or shoulder bag perfect for the Parisian (or Parisian-at-heart) girl on the go. Despite being covered in Louboutin’s signature and specially developed spikes on one side, Triloubi retains a pragmatic levity for the city girl. Available in two sizes, the bag contains three panels that expand to make it roomier; a view from the side reveals the pleated design is reminiscent of the heel of a shoe.
Piloutin, perhaps the most whimsical new style, is inspired by fairy tales. Here, Christian conjures the tale of Cinderella and the glass slipper, only this time the transformation isn’t from pumpkin to carriage, it’s from pillow to handbag. With a satin finish and playful enamel charm that serves as a protective amulet, perhaps the bag’s most charming aspect is its soft-to-the-touch quality. Piloutin will be available in a versatile gold Nappa Laminata as well as a special limited edition adorned with antique Indian ribbons from Christian’s personal collection, acquired through years of globetrotting. Available only in flagship boutiques, each limited edition Piloutin is one of a kind.
A Louboutin favorite, Sweet Charity returns for Spring/Summer 2016 with a luxe new construction, clean, modern shape and rich details, including hand-stitching, a whimsical interior charm and an edgy hand-spiked and chain metal bow. The Sweet Charity family also welcomes a new addition in Baby Charity, a mid-size option that sits between the Small Sweet Charity and the tiniest Sweetie Charity, a red carpet and evening favourite.
Spring/Summer ‘16 is topped off with an exclusive selection of small leather goods from Christian Louboutin, including new wallet shapes and a travel-friendly coin purse. The U Campus notebook, U Loubipass, and the new So Kate clutch, an update to the classic Pigalle clutch, will all be available exclusively on christianlouboutin.com
Christian Louboutin is exclusively available in Rustan’s Makati.
