Christian Louboutin has never really left the stage. His career, after all, didn’t start in a dull design studio but backstage at the Folies Bergère, crafting impossible, fantastical shoes for the showgirls. His deep fascination with performing arts and theatrical fantasy is the red thread that ties his entire universe together.
The new Cruise 2026 collection is a full-throated, unapologetic celebration of this lifelong obsession. First showcased during the eclectic Loubi Show in Paris this October, the collection is a line-up bursting with vibrant colour, a sense of kinetic movement and pure spectacle – if the cheerleading and parading didn’t give it away already.
The campaign, however, frames its key pieces – the new Cassia line and the Ruben shoe – in a less flashy way. With the Tour Eiffel as a backdrop, even the most lifeless office or street becomes a playground. Inspired by ballet shoes, the Cassiasticina ballerina is defined by its elegance. Crafted from black lamb nappa leather, this Maison Christian Louboutin shoe features two elasticated straps that cross over the top of the foot and a small tonal bow. This model features an ‘Everlasting Red’ sole thanks to an innovative coating technique to ensure resistance and lasting vibrancy for our signature Louboutin red.

The Cassia is Louboutin’s ballet-inspired series, but don’t expect a simple, girlish slipper. Reimagined with a sharp, modern elegance. Its upgraded version, the Cassiasticina ballerina, expresses the Maison’s vision of powerful femininity. Available in black lamb nappa leather and poupee crepe satin, it balances strength and grace with its crossing elastic straps, small tonal bow and the Maison’s new ‘Everlasting Red’ sole.
Elsewhere, the Yangzee boot channels pure drama. Crafted from bronzo brown Cordia calf leather with a faux fur finish, its 100 mm stiletto and sculpted silhouette exemplify Louboutin’s theatrical flair and meticulous savoir-faire.
This theatricality is not just reserved for the women’s collection. The new Ruben shoe is designed to inject a sense of performance and drama into the male wardrobe. Others, like the Chambelisneak sneaker in patinated Havane brown calf leather, stand out with a metallic collar pin and supple beige rubber sole; while the Mocallista loafer – cut in watersnake leather with black and Last Night blue patchwork – adds a note of eccentricity, complete with a silver bar and Maison-stamped coin.
The Venus bag also returns more playful than ever, featuring its iconic rounded handles with gold-trimmed chapes in the shape of the Miss Z sole. This season, it appears in multicolour diamond-patterned calf leather and the beloved Amara shade.
Discover the collection here.
photography. courtesy of Christian Louboutin
words. Gennaro Costanzo








































































































































































































