Christian Louboutin in an interview with French newspaper Libération (translation via Vogue UK) laid out his case against YSL for designing a shoe featuring a red sole:

“….it is a red in a specific context [in the way that], there is Ferrari red [and] Hermès orange. Even in the food industry, Cadbury recently won a lawsuit against Nestlé for using purple packaging. All this proves that the colours play a part in a brand’s identity. I’m not saying that red usually belongs to me – I repeat that this is about a precise red, used in a precise location.”

He also shed some light on his own relationship with PPR, a publically-traded company, which owns YSL and has made numerous offers to buy Christian Louboutin, all of which Louboutin has turned down. He then flips from business to personal, going in on YSL’s decision to design shoes with red soles:

“I find it most incredible that a group like PPR would take the risk of defending itself as a plagiarist. They claim to fight against counterfeiting and plagiarism of which they are victims and yet behave like this.”

What a distraction this must be for Louboutin. I wonder sometimes if he doesn’t think, why did we even bother with this in the first place. After all, even though he isn’t the first to do red soles, among people in the know, that design element is metaphorically owned by him. But something in his gut must be telling him to fight another day so in the end we just hope he has his way for reasons we posted here. If he does not, it will be intriguing to see what the fall out will be.

We showed the capsule collection of shoes yesterday celebrating Christian Louboutin’s 20 years in the business, and today we bring you the bags, highlighted by the “Pill-Popper” shown above. Because where would we be after all without Mommy’s lil’ helpers?

Rihanna out and about flashes her brand new “Thug Life” tattoo  featuring white ink (see a close up on next page) plus a see-through wifebeater, black silk trousers and Christian Louboutin’s “Tape Measure” sandals. Luv all the white details, including her mani! Via Ultimate-rihanna.

Christian Louboutin, getting an assist from the fabulous Diane Von Furstenberg, was back in court yesterday, trying to convince the three judges overseeing the case now that the last judge who ruled against him was wrong. (In case you’re totally behind, Louboutin sued YSL for making red-bottom shoes, arguing that it infringes on what has become his brand’s trademark. He lost the first go round.)

No shocker but we’re totally team Louboutin over here. Not anything against YSL, but  let the man have his red bottoms. He earned them for goodness sake. And from a purely aesthetic perspective, you take the red soles away and you have everyone and Payless churning out red-bottom shoes, a totally wretch of a situation that no one wants to see.  

CL & DVF via Nydailynews doing the court walk on the next page.

Christian Louboutin is asked five questions by New York boutique department store Bergdorf Goodman and charms with his easy manner and just-so French accent. Below are the questions along with snippets from his responses.

What’s your most cherished NYC secret?: The restaurant Quality Meats: “….I’m a meat lover……”
Whose closet would you like to raid?: Loulou de la Falaise: “…She’s been having 30 years of fashion history and so many colors and so many accessories….”
What must have can’t you live without?  I-phone:  ”….It’s difficult because I feel like it’s like an addiction, but it’s definitely, it’s the only addiction that I have so I think I’m fine with it.”
What is the one style you never want to see make a comeback? Clogs: “…for one reason, I love shoes and there’s a thing I love about shoes and it’s the sound of shoes……hearing the sound of a clog is really not nice, not pretty, it’s an ugly sound….”
What is your worst childhood fashion memory: A ski suit: “….I had this incredibly puffy, bright red, ski outfit….”

If you’re a fan, he will be making an appearance at Bergdorf’s on January 31st on the second floor. Click here for details.

The king who can always make our shoe lover heart melt has done it again with these crested velvet slippers via  Net-a-porter. Oh the Spikes!

Christian Louboutin’s Spring 2012 lineup is now out, with two of the collections call out themes bright colors and a little more foot exposure then we’ve seen in the past. There are the usual two or three over-the-top, borderline vulger styles, which truth be told are what make the brand special and give it its halo of artistry. Louboutin could crank out Pigalle pumps all day and do just fine but it’s his willingness to “go there” without fear on a couple of designs each season that makes him special and above all the rest.

Totally reminiscent of the “Huichol Skulls” (sold out on Ln-cc) these “Mexibeads” pumps by Christian Louboutin are definitely knee weakening  awesome. Waiting list here.

At a party hosted by Barney’s to celebrate Christian Louboutin’s 20th anniversary, the guest of honor is inspired to carry away Blake Lively, who is sporting a red leather coat (by who, dear readers?) paired with multi-colored snakeskin Louboutin pumps. And…..insert comments about the comfort levels of Louboutin heels here.

See another image of Lively wearing a Dolce & Gabana bustier dress on the next page, along with images of other guests, including MK & Ashley Olsen.

As part of an ongoing celebration of Christian Louboutin’s 20 years in the shoe business, Barney’s exclusively is offering the “Highness” pump, shown above. Each signed by Louboutin, a total of 20 pairs will be sold at $3,995 a pop through the online site only.  And you know, no worries on shipping costs cuz Barney’s says it’ll handle that. (Best be delivered in an all crystal carriage drawn by four prancing white horses at that price!) Here are the details on the design theme:

Limited edition satin double platform peep toe pump with beading, gem and sequin detail throughout. Patchwork and sewn New York City themed left shoe and Los Angeles accented right shoe.

More angles on the next page.