Paris (AFP) – Christian Louboutin of scarlet-stiletto fame on Wednesday named Jaden Smith, who has followed in his superstar father Will’s footsteps as an actor and rapper, as artistic director of the French shoemaker’s men’s collection.
“Jaden Smith will unveil four collections per year, including shoes, leather goods, and accessories,” the brand said in a statement. Louboutin, the head of his eponymous brand since its founding in 1991, will be handing over the reins of his menswear line for the first time.
“One morning, I was swimming and I asked myself: ‘Why not Jaden?’,” the 62-year-old told Le Figaro newspaper. He is banking on Smith, 35 years his junior at 27, to inject “visibility” into the line, which has grown to account for a quarter of Louboutin’s revenue since launching in 2008.
“I am convinced by his creativity, but I am also happy to have an intelligent voice from a different generation at my side,” Louboutin added. Smith said his elevation represented “one of the biggest honours” of his life.
“I feel a lot of pressure to be able to live up to everything that Christian has done for the house, and also stepping into such a serious role,” he told American media outlet WWD. Jaden Smith, son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, was in the spotlight from a young age, acting in “The Pursuit of Happyness” in 2006 and 2010’s “The Karate Kid” before turning towards music and fashion.
While Smith the younger has already made a name for himself with his brand MSFTSrep and a collaboration with sneaker-maker New Balance, he has never before headed a luxury fashion house’s entire line.
“Today he lacks technique but he’s starting to learn,” Louboutin said, explaining that Smith had already made several visits to Italian factories. “What you cannot learn is enthusiasm and taste and passion. All that, he has,” the stylist added.
Smith’s first collection will be unveiled at Paris Fashion Week for men in January 2026.
© 2024 AFP
