Christian Louboutin launches nail polish and shoes collection

Depending on who you ask, Christian Louboutin's receptionist could have the most or least coveted job. The receptionist should expect the unexpected, especially when it come to deliveries.

These could range from Moroccan wooden doors to Egyptian wall panels and, on a good day, a full-grown cougar specimen that's proudly on display in Louboutin's Parisian apartment.

The many things that Louboutin has collected across the globe from artisanal ateliers, flea markets and street hawkers are sources of inspiration for the maestro in creating his collection of whimsical and ultrasexy high heels.

Women all over the world have fallen head over heels for his signature red sole. Sometimes perhaps too literally - Victoria Beckham's slipped disc, for example, was reportedly a result of wearing high heels, many of them red-soled. Even Louboutin himself calls his shoes "pleasure with pain". But most of his fans are not concerned about the pain. From spiky stilettos to crystal-embellished towering heels, a pair of Louboutins are the symbol of bona fide sensualness.

Louboutin has won over tonnes of celebrity fans. His Paris atelier is filled with racks of customised shoes for A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, Mika and Dita Von Teese - who have personalised lasts for some Louboutin classics.

As what has now become one of the world's most valuable trademarks, Louboutin's red sole was inspired by the woman who tended to his front desk - so you see why a Louboutin receptionist has big shoes to fill. The epiphany struck the designer when he saw his assistant painting her nails red. He grabbed the nail polish and tested it on the prototype for the Pensée, and voila - he discovered his missing piece of the puzzle.

More than 20 years on, Louboutin is giving his muse the credit she deserves by launching a collection of nail polish.

The key product, called Rouge - the Louboutin red - just arrived last week at selected Louboutin stores and retail partners such as Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and Bergdorf Goodman in New York. A total of 30 more colours, including pastel and metallic hues, will be available in the following months. All the nail polishes are named after classic Louboutin heels and bags - think Lady Page, a dark plum shade, or Very Prive, a strong red. The packaging also echoes the brand's history. The elongated brush handle measures 20.5cm, the same height as his record-breaking Ballerina Ultima, the highest heels Louboutin has ever designed.

Meanwhile, a much-anticipated capsule collection of shoes inspired by nail art hits stores next month. Expect to see classic satin pumps with elegant handprints, suede boots with metallic nail embellishments, and spiky flats featuring decorative nail details. Louboutin says he's giving back to nails what his shoes took from them many years ago. And he's not saying it lightly.

For Louboutin Beauté, the project that has been looming for almost two years before its launch, the French shoe cobbler recruited Catherine Roggero, a former Lancôme and L'Oréal director, to head the beauty business. Boutique cosmetics label Batallure Beauty is cast for production. A traditional glass factory has been commissioned to create a specially designed glass container inspired by Louboutin's architectural influences - 17th- and 18th-century classic balustrades found in European buildings.