Christian Louboutin’s Future In the Hands of Men’s Creative Director Jaden Smith

Christian Louboutin is a name that transcends fashion. Its signature red sole is now more than a design element — it has become an emblem of confidence, audacity and modern luxury. Instantly recognisable, the iconic red has become synonymous with the maison itself, turning a colour into a global symbol of style.

For the past 35 years, the designer has confidently shaped both his women’s and men’s collections, with his creations becoming a mainstay on red carpets and in the wardrobes of the world’s most stylish names. This year, the maison enters a new chapter. For the first time, Christian Louboutin has appointed a Men’s Creative Director: Jaden Smith.

The 27-year-old actor, musician and entrepreneur, best known as the son of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, adds yet another title to his name. As the brand’s first-ever Men’s Creative Director, Smith brings a distinctive creative vision to the next chapter of Christian Louboutin’s offerings of shoes, leather goods and accessories.

Following a limited Avant-Premiere capsule release led by Smith in January, this Fall Winter’26 collection marks his first full Christian Louboutin Men’s collection. Rather than rewriting the brand’s identity, Smith builds on the established codes of the house, reinterpreting familiar silhouettes with sculptural forms, utility-driven details and a fresh perspective that bridges streetwear and performance.

Redefining the Icons

The Fall Winter’26 collection revisits some of Christian Louboutin’s signature styles with modern updates. For example, Corteo, the brand’s evening shoe first introduced in Fall Winter’19, returns with a sneaker-inspired footbed that enhances comfort while maintaining its silhouette.

Meanwhile, the Louis sneaker iseimagined as the Molten Louis, featuring the collection’s signature dripping, molten finish—a key element introduced by Smith. The original Trapman TCT 2 also returns with new lace-up, loafer and Chelsea boot iterations in a range of new colours, anchoring the silhouette in the cultural crossroads where the brand’s heritage meets ’90s hip-hop.

A New Design Language

Alongside the familiar styles are silhouettes that define a new creative direction that is quintessentially Smith. The Molten Trapman introduces an innovative construction, where glossy liquid is poured over a matte base to create a striking contrast of textures; while Gravitamoon explores protective, cocoon-like forms through an architectural over-shoe.

Elsewhere, the Ennio reimagines the classic cowboy boot with a sculptural tubular overlay, featuring a digital leather print created from a photograph taken during Paris’ annual summer festival La Fête de la Musique by Smith’s longtime friend, actor and photographer, Moises Arias. Throughout the collection, Western references, gorpcore influences, technical materials and exaggerated proportions come together to form an expressive vision of modern luxury.

A Complete Silhouette

Beyond footwear, Smith’s vision extends to a range of accessories, designed to complete the look. Bags play a central role, with the Tactical line of totes and duffels joined by the Multi-Pocket family, featuring individually constructed utility pockets designed to carry everyday essentials.

The season also introduces the Canopy line of small leather goods, from wallets to belts, alongside a new men’s eyewear style and a suite of metal accessories that includes necklaces, bracelets, keyrings and lighter cases.

Photography Zhang Minhua / Telescope Studios
Stylist Rena Kok
Hair & Makeup Zoel Tee using Armani Beauty
Photography Assistants Kerine Chia, Queanne Ang
Stylist’s Assistant Ephrem Don Bonafe
Model Akmal Mukhtorov / Mannequin Studio