When I think of Louboutin shoes, I immediately envision the iconic red soles paired with patent black or glossy nude heels—a classic, timeless look that transitions effortlessly from the boardroom to a night out.
Though I don’t own a pair myself (I can’t subject my feet to such high heels), Christian Louboutin has been clear: “It is not my job to create something comfortable.” For him, beauty, sensuality, and design take priority over comfort.
However, I don’t feel that any of these elements shine through in the brand’s latest Diwali collection, which just launched in India and is soon expected in the Middle East. The collection features a range of pointed heels, flats, and wedges adorned with colorful silk and brocade strips, but the overall execution misses the mark.
Traditional Indian juttis, with their roots in the Mughal era, carry a rich history and cultural significance. These handcrafted shoes, made from leather and embellished with intricate embroidery, shells, mirrors, beads, and more, are a far cry from Louboutin’s new designs. The bold fusion of Indian fabrics on wedge heels, combined with gold straps and crystals, feels garish and mismatched rather than elegant.
A poll I conducted on Instagram, featuring 85 South Asians, showed that 85% prefer the traditional jutti styles over these French-made, Indian-inspired flats. The classic juttis, whether they’re khussa, khasoori, or Saleem shahi, maintain a timeless appeal, enriched with cultural depth and craftsmanship.
It seems Louboutin’s Diwali edit was an attempt to blend traditional Indian textiles with modern Western shoe silhouettes, but the result is a hybrid that falls short. Many online reactions have dubbed the collection “super-tacky,” reinforcing the idea that this East-meets-West experiment didn’t quite succeed.
The one redeeming piece from the collection, in my opinion, is the men’s black loafer. Adorned with gold square embellishments, it offers a tasteful contrast to the bright and gaudy women’s shoes.
The South Asian fashion industry is known for its rich heritage of craftsmanship, from vibrant patterns to detailed embroidery. This has long inspired Western luxury brands like Alexander McQueen, Elie Saab, and Jean Paul Gaultier, who have all featured sari-inspired designs on their runways. My personal favorite was Karl Lagerfeld’s 2012 Chanel Metiers d’Art show, where models sported stunning maang tikkas and pearl-studded headpieces.
Accessories from the subcontinent continue to be a muse for Western designers. Kim Kardashian’s outfit for the Ambani wedding, complete with an Indian-inspired nose ring dripping in diamonds, is just one example of this cross-cultural influence.
Still, I prefer supporting South Asian brands over international ones that imitate cultural designs. There’s nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from other cultures, but the best collaborations are those made with creators from the culture itself. H&M’s recent partnership with Indian designer Anamika Khanna, which sold out within an hour at Dubai Mall, is a perfect example of how this can be done right.
Christian Allaire, author of Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures, advocates for cultural “appreciation” over “appropriation.” He encourages designers to collaborate with local artisans instead of merely borrowing styles.
In fairness, Louboutin has shown genuine admiration for Indian craftsmanship, collaborating with designer Sabyasachi in 2017. The Diwali collection was crafted primarily for the Indian market, using locally sourced materials, so it’s not a case of cultural appropriation. However, the designs lack the nuance and sophistication to truly pay homage to South Asian heritage.
With Diwali approaching, Christian Louboutin has released a special collection of shoes inspired by the vibrant colors and rich heritage of India. Known for his signature red-soled stilettos, Louboutin’s Diwali collection features pointed heels, flats, and wedges adorned with silk fabrics, brocade, and glimmering crystals. The idea behind this collection seems to be a blend of traditional Indian aesthetics with modern, high-fashion footwear.
While the collection has created quite a buzz in fashion circles, I can’t help but feel underwhelmed. Although it’s a commendable attempt to bring Indian craftsmanship into the luxury market, I find myself leaning toward traditional juttis from Global Village, where authenticity meets affordability.
Louboutin’s Diwali Collection: A Glitzy Fusion
Louboutin’s Diwali collection is a colorful feast for the eyes. Silk strips, mesh, gold embroidery, and crystals are intricately designed to create a “East meets West” look. It’s an ambitious idea—combining the essence of Indian textiles with Louboutin’s modern, edgy silhouettes. The collection is clearly crafted to appeal to both Indian and global audiences looking for something luxurious this Diwali season.
However, the bold attempt to merge the traditional with the contemporary leaves something to be desired. The designs, while lavish, often feel overdone. The colorful silk crisscrossing wedges with gold straps and glittering crystals fail to reflect the understated elegance that is the hallmark of true Indian craftsmanship.
The Timeless Appeal of Juttis
On the other hand, traditional Indian juttis have a timeless charm that I simply cannot overlook. Rooted in the Mughal era, juttis are handcrafted with leather and adorned with intricate embroidery, beads, sequins, and mirrors. They embody the cultural richness of India, and each pair tells a story of heritage and artistry.
There’s something truly special about slipping into a pair of juttis. The intricate details, the curved-toe silhouette, and the variety of styles—from khussa to Saleem shahi—make them far more appealing than a hybrid design trying to bridge two worlds. Whether you’re pairing them with a lehenga or a casual outfit, juttis add a touch of tradition and authenticity that’s hard to replicate.
Global Village Juttis: Where Tradition Meets Value
This is where Global Village comes into play. A hub for diverse cultures, Global Village offers a treasure trove of traditional juttis during the festive season. What’s great about shopping for juttis here is not just the variety, but the authenticity and value you get. Each pair reflects the craftsmanship of artisans who have been perfecting this art for generations.
You don’t have to break the bank to own something that’s both stylish and steeped in culture. While Louboutin’s Diwali shoes may be stunning to look at, their exorbitant price tags are hard to justify when you can get equally beautiful, culturally rich juttis for a fraction of the cost at Global Village. Plus, there’s a certain joy in supporting local artisans and knowing that your purchase has roots in authentic craftsmanship rather than a high-end fashion label’s interpretation.
Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation
When it comes to fashion inspired by different cultures, there’s always the fine line between appreciation and appropriation. Louboutin’s collection walks this line, as it draws heavily from Indian traditions. While Louboutin has expressed his admiration for India and its fashion, including a past collaboration with famed Indian couturier Sabyasachi, the question remains: Is it enough?
There’s no doubt that the intention was to pay homage to Indian culture, but the execution lacks the depth and authenticity that comes from working closely with local artisans. For me, true cultural appreciation means celebrating and supporting the original creators of these styles, not just borrowing elements for a luxury product.
Why I’ll Stick with Juttis this Diwali
At the end of the day, I appreciate what Christian Louboutin is trying to achieve with his Diwali collection. However, when it comes to footwear that embodies the spirit of Diwali, I’ll always prefer the traditional jutti. They’re more than just shoes—they’re a symbol of Indian heritage, painstakingly handcrafted with love and artistry. Plus, the affordability and authenticity of juttis from Global Village are unmatched.
So, this Diwali, instead of splurging on a pair of French-made, India-inspired Louboutins, I’ll be heading to Global Village for a pair of juttis that carry both the essence of the festival and the timeless charm of Indian tradition.
Finally, if you’re looking for something more affordable and authentic, head to the India pavilion at Global Village. You’ll find hundreds of beautiful juttis at a fraction of the price of India-inspired Louboutins—some even with a tastefully color-coded red sole.
