Christian Louboutin Boutique - JJR (Paris, France)

Even though there are plenty of Christian Louboutin boutiques around the world these days (three alone in Paris), there's always something magical about visiting the first/original flagship. While the newest store on Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré is fancier and somewhat larger, the boutique on the quieter Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau is usually the one I head to if I want to get away from the crowds of people trying on shoes and perusing the shelves. This is also where the French Louboutin headquarters are still located and where orders for bespoke shoes are taken.

For those who've never seen a Louboutin store from the inside, here's the basic idea for this first boutique opened in 1992 (and all subsequent flagships). To quote Monsieur L. himself: "The first Paris shop was conceived as a dove cot (un colombier) in which I could display every shoe in their own niche (or alcove) like birds. This association of the bird-like shoe in alcoves stays a constant in all my boutiques". According to Louboutin, the location of this store close to Place des Victoires holds a special meaning, as its statue of Louis XIV is wearing one of his favorite footwear: 'a type of reworked leather sandal'.

Unlike the other two Parisian stores, this one has a pretty large and impressive window display, thanks mainly to the fact that the storefront stretches along both the main street and the side corridor of an ancient shopping gallery. For those who don't really have the time or energy to go in, just looking at the window display is a treat in itself.

If you do venture into the L-shaped shop, you'll be greeted with the familiar red plush carpets, colorful sofas - these ones have a North African design - and the previously mentioned pigeonholes displaying the red-soled shoes like works of art. Product-wise the stock will generally be the same as the other boutiques, give and take a few styles, but the staff will be happy to call around for you if your size isn't available. The more interesting shoes I saw this time round included Lizard Simples in various pastel colors, bright patent Ron Rons in hot pink, Eugenies in black and silver, metallic Differas and summery Paquitas in light pink The sales assistants are very friendly by the way, so taking your time while looking at each exquisitely made high-heel or boot isn't an issue.

I would also like to point out the very odd but cool mannequin lamp in the corner of the store, which I'm guessing is unique to the boutique (either that or I've never noticed this in any of the others). If you're a Louboutin fan, you're bound to visit anyway, otherwise this is the place to go if you prefer to shop away from the fashion-crowd in the 8th arrondissement. If you're near the Left Bank, the Grenelle boutique is a must-see as well.

(individual images: net-a-porter, Christian Louboutin)

Address: 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:30-19:00
Christian Louboutin Homepage