Some years ago I thought " Finally, someone got it!". I was referring to the "nude" concept by the wonderful Christian Louboutin (hereinafter also CL). His "Nudes" Collection in 2013 (when it was launched) included up to 5 tones (now 7), considering all the varieties of skin tones women have got across the Globe.

I loved this effort by him. It returns to my idea of "Responsible Shoe Business" as introduced in my post #1.4. This Red-Sole collection means respect, inclusion, acceptance, globalization, civilization, humanity, smartness and (why not?) business sniff. It's sad to realize racism is still in many "civilized" Countries all over the world. Perhaps some politicians are increasing divergences on this topic to feed what I call a "war among poors" just to get votes - no matter what then on (at least here in EU - but this is another story...).

 

Linda Sandino recognized this Red-Sole Collection as one of the "major moments in history that touch the world of design and manufacturing" (Politics, Crockery and the V&A, L.Sandino, 2014). At the Victoria&Albert Museum in London: in 2014 this CL Collection was exhibited by ceramic hands holding his Nude shoes (see pic here nearby).

To be honest many (if not all) of the CL tones have been already existing for years. Initially fashion community referred to PANTONE 12-0911 as "Nude" (Pantone on Fashion: a Century of Color in Design, Di Pantone, LLC,Leatrice Eiseman,E. P. Cutler). Louboutin' smartness in 2013 focused on branding almost all skin tones of women worldwide as a new avanguard concept of "nude" in footwear. It seems to me he's going to make this new concept of nude as the only one possible from now on. That's great to me!

In 2015 CL upgraded his Collection by extending to 7 the number of skin tones among which you can choose your best pair of nude shoes. So far, the lightest one is "Lea" (N.1) while "Ada" (N.7) is the darkest. These are the last two added in 2016. "Nats", "Maya" and "Safki", above all, range in between. (Pursuitist.com)

In 2016 Solasofia, a delicated pointed toe ballerina, joined Pigalle Follies 100 and Senora 100 in this Collection.

Let's check out what the Cinderella' Slipper Designer suggests us in this way. Nearby the already mentioned Solasofia flats and Degrarivierina Pumps, in his website the luckiest ones of us can choose among new Summer 2017 sandals, such as:

This Summer Sandal has got "dazzles with a hint of illusion" by mixing transparent PVC slingback in a leather nude platform sandal having a "minimalist silhouette with high impact".

The innovated item in this stunning Collection is the material: a soft, flexible, matte nappa leather. The well-thought shades of colors mixed with these materials give to these shoes the right feeling of nudity.

Mr. Louboutin explains his new collection as follows:

"Nude" is not matter of colors! It regards the woman' silhouette by elongating her legs. These shades of nude give to female legs versatility, fluidity and allure of the whole body which this Shoe Designer goes on inspiring to. Moreover nude means neutral. This leaves women free to choose the rest of the outfit, including further accessories - not necessarily matching footwear. It's like a second-skin!

Christian Louboutin’s Nudes Collection remains the only offering of its kind within the world of luxury footwear, even three years post-launch.

If you're already thinking about your fall season at the office, CL have the right nude pumps for you then! It's the case of Deepik (pic here above) and Dorissima, which in 2015 joined the classic Red-sole pumps, above all Pigalle, Simple Pump and Bianca. Deepik is a scalloped-edge, peep-toe stiletto. Love its "snake/new wave-heel"! Dorissima stands up as a single-sole, timeless pump with a heart-shaped toe box and a thin sky-high heel...perfect for the office! “It’s important to evolve the style and have fun with it” - CL said about Dorissima.

Watch the video here about the full interview by CNN Lauren Booker to Christian Louboutin about his Nude Collection. From porcelain (N.1) to dark chocolate (N.7) the Nude Collection by Christian Louboutin is a flag of inclusivity challenging "the fashion industry's tendency to cater to paler complexions" (Debika Ray, 2014).

Last night on the Oscar 2017 Red Carpet we saw some amazing heels donned by Hollywood stars. It's now time to focus on some of the heels walking on that Red Carpet.

Let's start with Teresa Palmer (2017 Oscar Nominee as Best Supporting Actress) in her Prada gown combined with babies by the London-based designer Sophia Webster in her last Bridal collection (pic here). A pair of satin silver sandals with crystal heels called "Effie".

Even during the 89th Academy Award Christian Louboutin weared feet by some of the stars (male and female) shining that night. That was the case, above all, of  Felicity Jones, Isabelle Huppert, Justin Timberlake, and David Oleyowo. Focusing on ladies, Felicity Jones (2011 Sundance Special Jury Price, Like Crazy) showed off her golden nude-sandals with butterflies details reminding me to Cinderella' slippers (the same as designed by Louboutin himself for Disney movie as analysed in post 0.1). Isabelle Huppert (2017 Oscar Nominee as Best Actress, Elle) donned Red Sole platforms fully covered up by that brighting silver dress branded Armani. 

Never miss Jimmy Choo whose jewelry walked on that charming carpet, as well. This was the case of Laura Dern (2012 Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical, Enlightened, and in 2009 as Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picure Made for Television, Recount) , Leslie Mann (2014 CinemaCon Award as Comedy Star of the Year and 2007 Goden Schmoes as Best Supporting Actress of the Year, Knocked Up) and Privanka Chopr. 

Unfortunately as for Mrs. Huppert their fab gowns covered up their feet, as well, so we cannot show you any pic of the above mentioned shoes. On the contrary, Emma Stone (Best Actress winner, La La Land) during the After Oscar Party showed off her classy-chic Jimmy Choo pumps after her Givenchy hat-to-toe look during the Awards Cerimony.  Even Louise Rue proudly choosed Jimmy Choo in her minimal plum suede Holly 120 sandals (774 EUR).

It seems Stuart Weitzman may be nominated as another of the main footwear designers as donned on that red carpet, due to choices made by John Legend's wife Chrissy Teigen, Ginnifer Goodwin (SnowWhite in Once Upon a Time), Viola Davis (2017 Oscar as Best Supporting Actress, Fence) and Octavia Spencer (2017 Oscar Best Supporting Actress nominee, Hidden Figures).

Other celebrities weared designers such as Louis Vuitton ( Alicia Vikander, 2016 Oscar as Best Supporting Actress and 2016 Empire Awards as Best Actress, Danish Girl), Aquazzurra ( Brie Larson, 2016 Oscar as Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Room), Laurence Decade (Cynthia Erivo, musical artist performing in 2015 The Color Purple in Broadway which let her win Tony Award, Theatre World Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award), Vincent Camuto (Halle Berry, above all, 2002 Oscar as Best Actress in a Leading Role, Monter's Ball; in 2000 Golden Globe as Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television and Emmy Awards as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge;), Brian Atwood (Janelle Monae, singer and actress in Moonlight), Christian Lacroix ( Kirsten Dust, 2012 EDA Special Mention as Best Depiction of Nudity, Sexuality or Seduction and 2011 Cannes Award as Best Actress, Melancholia) and Calvin Klein (Naomie Harris, Moonlight Best Supporting Actress nominee, here in the pic). 

I'm particuarly fascinated by sunflower yellow be-jeweled CK heels donned by this last  actress above listed. We're quite aware of Naomie Harris' preference for colors even on her feet. To walk on the red carpet of 89th Academy Awards she choosed these "oh-so-elegant" crystal-embellished sandals as balancing between yellow suede and asymmetrical crystal straps from Calvin Klein Fall 2017 Collection (seen during last New York Fashion Week). 

These modern evening shoes sign Raf Simons' debut in Calvin Klein team with crystal motif on the right toe and on the left ankle. The Belgian fashion designer, indeed, began in furniture design. In 1995 launched his own menswear label before his collaborations with brands, such as the followings:

• Jil Sander in 2005 (as Creative Director);
• between 2008 and 2009: Fred Perry (feat. Linda Farrow about Sunglasses SS2008), Asics (FW 2009 footwear collection), Adidas ( 2009 plus his own limited-edition footwear collection FW 2013), Eastpack (as for Adidas this collaboration pursued for FW2013);
• Christian Dior in 2012 (as Art Director);
• Capsule Denim Collection and a co-designed FW2014 feat. artist Sterling Ruby in 2014 putting in place a joint-label with their names; 
• the Danish design and textile company Kvadrat in 2014 included in Raf Simons' FW 2015 Menswear Collection; and
• Calvin Klein itself starting from 2016 (as new chief creative officer). 

2017 Oscars let all of us dream once again with glamour, brightness, beauty, talent and love shine from the red carpet until its After Party. I deliberately choosed not to mention any info about movies, awards, gaff, performances and speeches. The purpose of this blog is focused on footwear and this is the content of this post, as well.

sources:  Oscar.org , footwear news.com