A Wren Says

Recently, I discovered that Christian Louboutin, that brand famed for its red bottomed heels, has expanded into the children’s and pet categories. Items will be available starting in November of this year (2022) in their New York, London, and Shanghai stores. Afterwards, there will be an online release and additional offerings in Paris. The images I saw feature shoes with cartoonish, kid-friendly images and shapes.

Upon first hearing of the news, I thought about how dirty kids are. It is a struggle to keep anything they wear clean. Now imagine those soiled sneakers are $300. The next thought that came to mind was how children, in particular babies and toddlers, hate wearing shoes. I saw scenes of babies throwing their exorbitantly expensive shoes off their feet from their strollers. Those shoes lost forever somewhere in Central Park. And then I got over it and realize that this is no different than what many parents already do.

I mean really, does it make any more sense for babies to wear Nikes? Or Timberlands? Though these are at a much lower price point, these choices still reflect the tastes and budget of the parents (or doting others) who are dressing children who can’t even bear weight on their feet let alone run or hike. Really, this is a good business move on behalf of Christian Louboutin. Those people who are already in love with and faithful to the brand can now outfit their children in matching wares. Those who desire to spoil their children can choose to buy even more extravagant gifts. And those people who think it is way too expensive a brand to put on children (or dogs for that matter)? Well, they were never the target market to begin with.

But what are your thoughts? Would you buy design shoes or clothing for children? Why or why not?

Source

Wightman-Stone, D. (October 5, 2022). Christian Louboutin to launch kids and pet lines Fashion United. https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/christian-louboutin-to-launch-kids-and-pet-lines/2022100565525