Exhibition: Christian Louboutin L’Exhibition[niste] - Chapitre II
Until 28 August, travel inside the mind of one of the world's most famous and creative shoe designers. His iconic red-soled stilettos are legendary but oh, there is so much more!
Of all the fashion houses and ground-breaking designers of acclaim, when it comes to shoes, there is only one name that stands above all others: Louboutin. The mere mention of this name evokes an immediate response of awe and brings to mind the iconic red-soled stiletto.
Christian Louboutin was fascinated with the shape of the woman’s shoe from a young age and no other shoe designer has celebrated and exalted the woman’s form quite like him. From stunning red carpet creations, to multicoloured thigh-high boots, to bondage-inspired spiked patent leather pumps, Louboutin shoes make a statement in any situation.
L’Exhibition[niste] is a fun, fantastical and historical presentation of Christian Louboutin’s genius. Starting with the origins of his work and first concept pieces, the exhibit takes you on an unexpected journey his career.
Titled ‘Chapitre II’, the Grimaldi Forum’s exhibition is the second version, redesigned by its curator Olivier Gabet (Director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs), gives the public a new perspective following the 2020 exhibition at the Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris. Designed as “a joyful odyssey through three decades of abundant creativity infused with curiosity for all cultures and arts”, the exhibit covers 2,000 m² and shows previously unseen works tied to the designer's Monegasque inspirations.
Stained glass collaboration with Maison du Vitrail.
Visitors also get to see exclusive collaborations by Louboutin such as the stained glass created by the Maison du Vitrail, a silver Sevillian palanquin, a cabaret performance by one of his biggest fans, by Deeta Von Tease, an age-restricted wing with snuff photography of director David Lynch, the video work of Lisa Reihana, leather sculptures of English designers Whitaker Malem, the choreography of Blanca Li, and the work of artist Imran Qureshi, as well as an immersive space dedicated to sculptor and painter Allen Jones created especially with him for this exhibition.
Selection of shoes from the Christian Louboutin exhibition at Grimaldi Forum.
Starting with origins of his inspiration and early shoes designs, then the basic anatomy of the perfect pump, but hold on to your socks because the exhibit winds you through ever more fabulous and fantastical rooms with displays of his most creative, beautiful and transgressive shoes ever made. But how are these glorious heels made? Because it’s not just the design, it is also quality craftsmanship that makes a shoe endure the test of time.
Discover a series fun, circus-like films taking viewers through the process from a bare mould to finished pump. Christian Louboutin himself appears, like a fairy ring leader, jumping around to give help, inspiration and even a little magic to the unknown artisan’s capable hands. The whimsical videos are delightful for any age, from small children to the industry professionals admiring the techniques. While the mini designer, dressed in red, hops about, drawing, painting, eating, enjoying a glass of wine or sprinkling some magic dust on the process, the room plays the theme song to Fellini’s ‘8 1/2’, perhaps the most fitting soundtrack to this ‘imaginarium’.
This was one of the most entertaining and fabulous exhibitions we have ever seen and we highly recommend you see it!
July 9 - August 28, 2022
Open every day from 10am - 8pm, Thursdays till 10pm.
GRIMALDI FORUM
10, avenue Princesse Grace - 98000 Monaco
Tickets : €11
Free for children under 18.
Combined ticket offers: Exhibitions Newton, Riviera (Villa Sauber) & Christian Bérard, Excentrique Bébé (Villa Paloma) - Nouveau Musée National de Monaco - Price : €13 Exhibition Mission Polaire - Musée océanographique de Monaco - Price : €25
Guided tours every Thursday and Sunday at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm & 5pm, €10 in addition to the entrance fee.