Christian Louboutin to launch fragrances

Footwear designer Christian Louboutin is launching a series of fragrances, the company's first foray into perfumes after it tested the waters in the beauty sector with a lipstick. Initial distribution is expected to be channeled via 115 global retailers, including 65 Louboutin stores and e-commerce platforms.

“Everything that is new that you do is an experience,” Louboutin told WWD. “You need to think on an entire experience. Why would anybody need another fragrance; why would anyone need a new pair of high-heeled pumps in black? It’s not just the object but the entire adventure. You have to think of the journey of that thing on your body because that’s going to leave with you and you are going to leave through that too,” he said. “It’s an important thing.”

The three scents, called Trouble in Heaven, Bikini Questra Sera and Tornade Blonde, see Louboutin's fragrance vision as defining “individuality and intimacy, enhance femininity in a classical way.”

When it came to the packaging and creation of the bottle, Louboutin chose architect Thomas Heatherwock form London, rather than a traditional product designer. Opting for an objet d'art, the bottle is 80ml instead of standard 75ml, because the proportions look better larger, according to the designer. Heatherwock is best known for designing the Olympic cauldron for the London 2012 Olympics.

The design concept for the bottles was based on the idea of folding surfaces, manipulating and twisting glass to create a dynamic and harmonious flow. The bottle is made from glass with a central aperture, which makes a loop of the fragrance. Christian wanted somehow to create a flow of fragrance within the bottles as he is fascinated by the idea that “liquid is alive”, meaning that the liquid has movement and life within the bottle.

Photo credit: Christian Louboutin website