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Takeaways from the Louboutin show staged by David LaChapelle
On Thursday, October 2nd, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, Christian Louboutin took the Dojo de Paris by storm with his Spring/Summer 2026 runway. In a show that was both kitsch and cool, staged by the renowned American photographer and director David LaChapelle, the prestigious guests (Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Ortega) witnessed a full-scale American football match. The whole was punctuated by a concert by singer Asphalt. Numéro was there to report on this unprecedented fashion and cultural event…
An extravagant show by Christian Louboutin
A year after setting the Molitor swimming pool on fire with a nighttime show, Christian Louboutin once again proves that, to him, fashion is never merely about dressing. It entertains and electrifies. A signature from the designer, who shines both his creations and spectacular runway shows.
For this Spring/Summer 2026 show, he chose the Dojo de Paris and turned it into a sports arena for the occasion. For more than thirty minutes, the audience embarked on a journey in the worlds of sport and fashion. Drawing on the popularity of American football games, the French designer translated the adrenaline of the stadium into a vibrant catwalk. Miles away from the sometimes overly ceremonial shows, this larger-than-life show was a reminder that fashion can perfectly go with party and humour.
A show staged by David LaChapelle and choreographed by Blanca Li
To bring this kitsch and cool vision to life, Christian Louboutin enlisted two key figures. The staging was handled by David LaChapelle, master of pop and baroque photography, who turned the venue into a colourful set. Choreography was entrusted to dancer Blanca Li, who infused the show with a physical, almost theatrical energy.
The outcome was a performance at the crossroads between sport and fashion. Huge American football goalposts were placed on either side of the hall, as a reinterpretation of the iconic shape of a Louboutin stiletto heel. The players on the field wore the famous red soles. The emblem of the house were also noticeable on the feet of the gymnasts and marching band musicians.
Trumpets, percussion, and acrobatics set the tone of the show. This jubilant crescendo evoked both the excess of David LaChapelle’s music videos and Christian Louboutin’s witty humour.
A musical performance by singer Asphalt
In the spirit of the Super Bowl Halftime show, Christian Louboutin treated his guests to a musical interlude. On stage, singer Asphalt – the son of Chiara Mastroianni and grandson of Catherine Deneuve – performed several tracks from his latest EP Cocktail Exil, released last March.
This choice was not a coincidence. Rather than calling on a global superstar, like at the Super Bowl where Rihanna or Kendrick Lamar have recently performed, the designer wanted to showcase the new generation of the French pop scene, thus giving his show a more intimate touch.
Jaden Smith, Jenna Ortega… a prestigious guest list
No Louboutin show would be complete without mentioning its front row. Living up to his reputation, the designer brought together an eclectic crowd. Among them, Jaden Smith, recently appointed creative director of the house’s menswear collections. Next to him, Jenna Ortega, Gen Z icon and star of Wednesday, and Gwendoline Christie, one of the main character in the series, caught everyone’s eyes.
On the French side, the line-up was just as unexpected. Singer Eddy de Pretto was spotted alongside dancer étoile Hugo Marchand and basketball legend Tony Parker. An unforeseen encounter between different worlds that perfectly reflects Louboutin’s DNA. The house stretches far beyond fashion, bringing together artists, athletes, and musicians around its flamboyant, offbeat universe.
