Celebrating centuries old traditions in Italian shoemaking, Christian Louboutin brings exceptional craftsmanship into the spotlight for the Spring/Summer 2016 Men’s collection, through new silhouettes, unique fabrications and modern details. The theme is ‘With Love from Naples. Skilled artisans from Naples offer unique handwork expertise and techniques to create spring styles of the highest quality, eliminating the use of machines from the process wherever possible. The result is an extraordinary depth of range showcasing the precision and inter-generational knowledge required to produce the complex and innovative designs of the house.
There’s a cool and casual range for the new season that sees the debut of new sneaker styles from Christian Louboutin, including the brazen Louis Strass Multi, hand embellished with 11 shades and four different sizes of strass crystal, alongside a mixed material, multi-spiked Lou Pik Pik with shocking pink neon trim and fluorescent laces. Bold Sporty Dude takes inspiration from superheroes and marries a classic sneaker with a boot for a casual crossover with impact. Meanwhile, the more understated Henri Style sports a narrower sole and rich details including mini spikes and a fine chain finish.
Handcrafted styles emphasise an intricate construction of rich patina calf and hand-finished details highlight the sleek, timeless silhouettes of style that including the clean Cousin Greg oxford and slip on loafer So Dandy. Meanwhile So Charles, a derby with a Blake-stitched sole and traditional brogue accents executed by hand, and Mortimer, an elegant double buckle strap with double stitching, take men of style from the boardroom to any evening affair.
Classic styles showcase a touch of Christian Louboutin’s signature irreverence and wit that take classic styles to a new level for Spring/Summer 2016. Surprising pairings of fabrics and print on traditional lines bring vitality and a sense of newness to Dandelion, encased in the vivid Pavot weave. Top Daviol is dressed in an unexpected combination of calf and fine Italian suiting fabrics. More casual classics are similarly given a makeover, with the Bip Bip Flat elevated in boldly coloured saffiano leathers and graphic fantasy leathers exclusive to Christian Louboutin.
Rock’n’roll inspiration takes centre stage. The Louboutin Homme knows how to make a statement. New styles like Mr. Blake, a sleek derby of contrasting calf and veau velours, and So David, a refined opera slipper, introduce a subtle spike detailing that enhances and defines the precise lines and form of the styles, adding just the right amount of edge. Meanwhile, Bruno Spikes boasts an all over, ombré demi-lune spike on a thoroughly refined silhouette.
For the evening, this season’s offerings range from the romantic Degra, which sees gold metallic spikes arranged in a degrade effect from toe to heel, to the detailed oriented Gwaliorissimo, available in a richly embroidered version or with an audacious modern spike. The timeless Orleaness, a patent leather lace-up, offers an exceptional approach to simplicity for the most refined black tie affair.
Christian Louboutin Men’s collections can be found online at www.christianlouboutin.com at several dedicated boutiques around the world, in cities from New York to Milan. For more from the world of the Louboutin man, follow @LouboutinHomme on Instagram.
