October 22, 2026 |
In his debut AW26 collection as the first-ever men’s creative director of Christian Louboutin, Jaden Smith reimagined the house’s codes with a distinct confidence.
Leaning into clean lines and a utilitarian bent, Smith’s initial offering harnessed the classic Louboutin red as a means of disrupting a clean black palette. Signature shapes were reframed for the future – heeled cowboy boots came with a sharp metal cap slipped over the toe and a patented brogue had soft triangles carved out of its vamp sat alongside knee high boots that lent on the slouchy side. Smith expanded accessories into multi-pocket carrier bags and sunglasses with sharp cone details protruding from their temple. Smith’s approach transcends the city, crafting the Gravitamoon boots, Snow Hiker boots and TCT Hiker shoes for time spent outdoors.
The designer was inspired by the “history of working men throughout the centuries, the stone masons, the scribes, the doctors”, he said, “…by the lost epochs of time and made by hands born from stars forged under immense pressure deep in cosmic space.” Watch him soar.
From left; Gravitamoon boots by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN; Nostalgic multi-pocket backpack by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
From left; Roller sunglasses by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN; Paddle shoes by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
From left; Snow Hiker boots and TCT Hiker shoes by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
From left; Santiagus boots by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN; from top: Jaden One sunglasses and Tactical Brief by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
From left; from top: Slouch boots, Tactical multi-pocket, duffle bag and Jaden One sunglasses by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN; Marc Poppin shoes by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Taken from 10 Men Issue 64 – FUTURE, LEGACY, HERITAGE – out NOW. Order your copy here.
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN: NEXT STEPS
Photographer MARCO GAZZA
Fashion Editor SOPHIA NEOPHITOU
Digital operator ENYA MARMORI
Photographer’s assistant PIETRO FRIZZI
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU
Producer ELEONORA DENEGRI at Walter Schupfer Management
