In 1991, the then 27-year-old designer founded the Christian Louboutin brand, after fashioning his own idea of style while working alongside master shoemakers Charles Jourdan and Roger Vivier. He liked the idea that height bares femininity. His creations quickly gathered major interest in Paris. In just 4 years, his court shoes, as well as his ballet pumps, boots and ankle boots, found their way onto the feet of New Yorkers. Today there are around 50 stores worldwide. © AFP

The famous red leather sole is regarded as the designers' signature; a red that represents passion, sensuality and extreme femininity. The idea came in 1993 from one of his assistants, who used a bright red nail polish to cover the black sole of a Pensée model shoe. Today other designers are envious of this detail, which attracted customers and the media. © AFP

When it comes to dream artistic shoe collaborations, Christian Louboutin will happily take on anything. In 2007, he teamed up with director David Lynch to create a photography exhibition, Fetish, the ardent subjects being his creations (one model with 26cm heels). In 2012, he became the first designer to devise a cabaret for the Crazy Horse, Feu (Fire). Four tableaux for the dancers, towering above in 12cm-heels. © AFP