Design Museum London is currently exhibiting the first retrospective of French shoe designer Christian Louboutin in the UK. The comprehensive exhibition features footwear developed by designer over the past 20 years.

Photo: Christian Louboutan exhibition, by photographer Luke hayes

Louboutin, which was fighting with Yves Saint Laurent to own the color red on the soles of its shoes earlier this year, is known for his passion for functionality that meets art and his shoe can be seen as sculptural art objects, not only as stylish footwear. The shoes featuring the exhibition include stilettos, lace-up boots, studded sneakers and classic pumps, both from previous collections, as well as one-off designs.

Louboutin’s shoe collections were inspired by many sources including cabaret and the showgirl; fantasy and fairy tale; art and architecture; film; landscape and travel. Glamorous and sparkling, reflecting power combined with femininity the shoe range is aimed to attract attention  not only of fashionistas but of all those who appreciate elegance.

Visitors can have a profound look into Louboutin’s design process a they are taken through every stage of shoe creation, from sketches to construction, prototyping and factory production. The exhibition is divided into several rooms. The Hologram and the Fetish room contain images of partial nudity. Photography is not allowed but sketchbooks are encouraged.

Photo: Christian Louboutan exhibition, by photographer Luke hayes

Photo: Christian Louboutan exhibition, by photographer Luke hayes