The iconic shoe label Christian Louboutin marked its debut in Vietnam with a glitzy launch held at their flagship store and the Park Hyatt Hotel last Tuesday August 16th. The French footwear brand created by designer Christian Louboutin is one of the most sought after names in the shoe world, worn by many female celebrities and fashionistas. Famous for its trademark glossy red soles and cutting edge opulent designs, the label lives up to its ethos of “making shoes that are like jewels”.

 

The early soiree was held at the label’s extravagant new flagship store at 143Dong Khoi, a modern "castle" designed by renowned architect EricClough. Here celebs, fashion lovers and media mingled while sipping on some fine bubbly and falling in head over heels in love with the red-soled beauties on display.

 

The main event took place at the Park Hyatt, which was transformed into a decadent Moulin Rouge style theatre, guests were entertained with risqué dance performances and a dazzling catwalk show. Hosted by the lovely Kathy Uyen, the night’s entertainment also included a "Miss Louboutin" competition, during which beauties from the audience wearing Louboutin strutted their stuff on the catwalk. The sight of the competitors vying to "out walk" one another in their 6inch heels, resulted in a very Zoolander-esque moment.

 

The launch however had some critics seeing red, with comments that the use of apparently amateur foreign models degraded the show and that professional local models should have taken the stage. Many observers also questioned the use of a catwalk for effectively showcasing shoes, with remarks that the fashion by Just Cavalli and Versace became the focus of the show.

 

Nevertheless, the shoes were absolutely gorgeous and this iconic new store is destined to be a magnet for shoe lovers.

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