Who would have thought that a pair of Christian Louboutin (CL) shoes would lead me to Washington DC? But this is what happened and my trip to the States opened a new door to devoted footwear collectors. Seems that not just sneakers get a large audience of serious collectors but also high-end shoes; gone are the days of buying footwear just for wearing sake…
Through joining a fan base dedicated to Christian Louboutin and his shoes I met Kou Moore a young Washington D.C. brand manager who has a classy and expensive obsession for the French shoe designer Christian Louboutin (whose 5inch stunner’s range from £500 upwards).
She invited me to extend my stateside trip in April to hang out in her hometown of Washington. After a seven hour flight to JFK, I spent a week in NYC and was eager to see what Washington had to offer. I was not disappointed. The moment I stepped into DC the sheer volume of culture and fashion was apparent; so many art galleries, amazing landmarks and almost everyone dressed on point – even when going about their daily chores.
When Kou came to pick me up we had to make room for my suitcase as her boot was partly filled with a range of shoes. She had a change of CLs ready to fit her busy lifestyle and when asked, “why so many shoes?”, she informed me that she normally drives from place to place without time to stop back at home, so “I carry accessories in order to reinvent or remix my outfits”.
I was shown around Georgetown to the high street boutiques and well-stocked, up-to-date shoe stores. We eventually stopped and refuelled on some good American burgers, chatted about art and fashion and got to know one another. One thing apparent from our conversation was that not only did she love the designer, but also the way in which he created the shoes. Collecting his “work” was like collecting art; something that would uphold its value providing that it was well looked after…but on the more simple side, she just loved wearing well designed heels.
Throughout my four days in Washington I was culturally overloaded with things to do, as well as visiting the obvious well-known landmarks. I accompanied Kou to a fashion trunk show by ‘Project Runway’ finalist, designer Korto Momolu, and was introduced to some of her friends. At her friend Davis’ home I was privileged to view a serious sneaker collection that filled a full reception room and more. The number of sneakers on display was vast, so this is only part of the collection.
There was a range of rare vintage sneakers that would set you back a few hundred to a grand each but these were kept in a special locked room away from human hands…
One thing I learnt from my travels is that investment need not always be held in stocks and shares or property, but also in pleasurable items. Also, providing you have the eye and taste, there is money to be made. Many see their purchases as an investment as when styles go out of the design, demand is higher for these ‘original vintage’ gems from the next generation of collectors. Also I guess it helps ease the guilt of forking out half your paycheque for it!
As for my collection, I am still on amateur level. I plan to treat myself to my third pair of CLs this Christmas. As they say, if you don’t treat yourself, who else will? Check out his new fall collection some very worthwhile art for the feet at http://www.christianlouboutin.com/#/the_collection – I recommend the “Maggie.”
And who knows where your CLs or next fashionable purchase will take you…
Abey
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