Christian Louboutin stole the show at Paris Fashion Week 2024, comparing the event to the fashion Olympics with a splashy display that ended with him and David LaChapelle jumping into a pool fully clothed. The luxury brand held its show at the historic Piscine Molitor in Paris, replacing the traditional runway with the swimming baths. Models entered the presentation via a pump-shaped slide, showcasing the new Miss Z heels while swimming synchronized routine performed by 15 French Olympic artistic swimmers.
Louboutin emphasized his desire to surprise audiences with his shoe designs, stating that the chrome pumps looked like “shells” underwater and remained intact during rehearsals. The event, titled “Paris is Louboutining,” featured a backdrop of dancers in windows and a firefighter on a stripper pole. The 15-minute performance choreographed by Blanca Li went viral on social media, with viewers praising the show for its creativity and epic nature. Louboutin, Li, and LaChapelle eventually joined the ensemble in the pool, with Louboutin taking a spin down the stiletto slide.
The show generated positive feedback on social media, with viewers commending Louboutin for challenging the perception that his shoes are uncomfortable and impractical. However, some of the swimmers experienced minor injuries, with Olympian Claudia Janvier revealing bruises from getting stabbed with a stiletto. Louboutin credited the inspiration for the show to the Paris Olympic Games and his admiration for synchronized swimming, a sport his daughters have engaged in from a young age. He aimed to create a beautiful and escapist moment for the audience.
The convergence of sports and style was a common theme at international fashion weeks, with athletes making appearances at various shows. US gymnast Jordan Chiles walked the runway for Kim Shui’s New York Fashion Week presentation, while US rock climber Brooke Raboutou participated in designer Cecilie Bahnsen’s show. Archer and artist SAGG Napoli fired arrows down the Dior catwalk during Paris Fashion Week, blending athleticism with high fashion. The trend of involving athletes in fashion shows highlights the increasing overlap between sports and style industries.
