After making headlines last year with its splashy runway show, French red-soled shoe brand Christian Louboutin took things a step further this season, moving the runway into a real stadium. The brand's Spring/Summer women's collection was held at the Dojo Arena in Paris, with artist David LaChapelle serving as artistic director and Blanca Li choreographing the show, bringing the vibrant atmosphere of an American homecoming football night to the runway.
Stadium stage and homecoming atmosphere
Stepping into Dojo Arena, you're greeted by a complete stadium, not the familiar catwalk. The entire performance was divided into five segments, starting with the Paris Fire Brigade marching band, followed by cheerleaders, dancers dressed as football players performing energetic dances, live music, and a final celebratory scene—each moment felt like a movie scene. The overall atmosphere was lively yet slightly theatrical.
David LaChapelle's style has always been distinctive. The show opened with a well-known Parisian model pushing a lawnmower onto the field, a moment both humorous and surreal. Performers waving batons and the brand's seahorse mascot weaved through the crowd. Music was provided by French singer Asphalt, who also operates under the name Milo Thoretton, who sang romantic and youthful songs. The entire show evoked the feeling of a school homecoming—energetic, boisterous, and full of freedom.
The Cassia collection and a new interpretation of Ballerina Ultima
On such a stage, new shoes naturally become the focus. The most important keyword this season is Cassia. The toe design features rounded, slightly upturned lines, inspired by ballet shoes, conveying a soft yet powerful posture. The brand has further extended the design into a complete collection. Cassia Annmac features a design that covers the ankle, inspired by dancers' leg warmers, with a fitted line and a touch of casualness.
Cassiasticina echoes traditional ballet flats more directly, featuring a lightweight design suitable for everyday wear. Ruben marks Cassia's first foray into men's footwear, retaining the rounded toe proportions while incorporating a more streamlined structure. These shoes, seemingly soft, are far from weak in design; when paired with sporty occasions, they enhance the ballet-inspired elegance with even greater dynamism.
The grand finale featured the brand's classic Ballerina Ultima. Originally launched in 2007, the design was inspired by the extreme posture of a dancer standing on tiptoe. This reinterpretation uses the Cassia toe as a base, completely encrusted with rhinestones for a striking visual impact. It's more than just an extravagant piece; it's a symbolic work representing Christian Louboutin's commitment to drama and meticulous craftsmanship.
After making headlines last year with its splashy runway show, French red-soled shoe brand Christian Louboutin took things a step further this season, moving the runway into a real stadium. The brand's Spring/Summer women's collection was held at the Dojo Arena in Paris, with artist David LaChapelle serving as artistic director and Blanca Li choreographing, bringing the vibrant atmosphere of an American homecoming football night to the runway. The stadium stage and the homecoming atmosphere merged into……
