Christian Louboutin, one of the world’s
most celebrated shoe designers, has completed his first book and it promises to be be more than just pretty pictures of stilettos. While his name may be more closely associated with red-soled Hollywood starlets than anything else, the man is truly an artist who is passionate about and dedicated to his craft. So perhaps that’s why people like John Malkovich and David Lynch have signed on as collaborators.
Christian Louboutin [Rizzoli] is like a biography, retrospective and photography book all rolled into one. Following a foreword by legendary actor/producer John Malkovich, there will be one chapter devoted to his biography, including his work for Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent and never-before-seen personal photos; one chapter focusing on the interiors of his boutiques around the world; one chapter devoted to his “20 years of design” including still life portraits and editorials; one chapter with shots of his homes in Paris and Egypt and his studios and workshops; and one chapter devoted to his collaboration with filmmaker David Lynch called “Fetish,” a series of photographs of Louboutin’s limited-edition fetish shoes, which have been shown in galleries but never published in a book.
The final of the six chapters will be a complete catalogue of Louboutin’s work, according to
Barnes & Noble‘s overview.
Their collaborations with Louboutin are not the only fashion endeavors for Malkovich, who has a line of suits called
Technobohemian, or Lynch, who directed Marion Cotillard’s Dior commercial. According to
Vogue UK, there will also be contributions by Dita Von Teese, Kristen Scott Thomas and Mika.
Books by fashion designers can sometimes be a bit boring and predictable, but this one sounds pretty awesome. Plus, how gorgeous would that look on a coffee table? Apparently, it even has a five-piece foldout binding and a pop-up. Want.
Lee Alexander McQueen (1969–2010), whose design combined visionary aesthetics, emotional power, and extraordinary craft, was known for staging provocative shows that were as much performances as venues to display his couture creations. Charged with energy, informed by history and culture, and filled with fresh concepts, McQueen’s shows have become legends not only of fashion but also of art. Anne Deniau was the only photographer allowed backstage by McQueen for 13 years, beginning in September 1997 and ending with the final show in March 2010. She captured McQueen working with his close circle of collaborators—including designer Sarah Burton, milliner Philip Treacy, jewelry designer Shaun Leane, and model Kate Moss—to create his meticulously produced spectacles. Her book offers an inspiring homage, through the art of photography, to the work of a great artist.
