Christian Louboutin opens men's shoe store in Hong Kong

The iconic red sole, the spikes and stilettos; Christian Louboutin’s shoes are probably the most coveted in the world, and inextricably linked with women and sex. In more than 20 years, Louboutin has made magic, almost alchemic, from women’s footwear. But, the French designer has also garnered a rather loyal following of men since he started his men’s range in 2011.

Alexis Mourot, the company’s chief operating officer and general manager, says men’s sales make up 10 per cent of their Hong Kong and China business, still trailing behind the 24 per cent the men’s line commands globally.

But they are hoping this is about to change with a new Central store in On Lan Street dedicated to men, opened last week. It’s the brand’s first men’s boutique in the city, tapping into a fashion market that is significantly more experimental and less conservative than their Western counterparts.

“This is quite a new category for us with a lot of potential,” says Mourot. “The main issue is to be with the correct distribution worldwide and we have been very keen to select the right points of sales.”

In Paris, we meet the eccentric designer in a cosy lounge next to his Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau offices, showroom and flagship stores. Even though it’s a chilly September day and the rain has been intermittently falling, there has been a line of shoppers outside his boutiques all day. It’s fashion week, and Louboutin is juggling several days of head-to-head appointments.

Those who’ve talked to the designer know about his effervescent character. He has a quick and frequent wit and is more obsessed with manicured gardens, ancient Egypt and Bollywood, than the big fashion monthly magazines. During our interview I’m surprised to see that he’s wearing a pair of dark leather trainers (“I usually don’t wear sports shoes,” he quips.) rather than a pair of more exotic designs.