High-end footwear brand Louboutin selects Jaden Smith to helm their menswear shoe collection
In a groundbreaking move, 27-year-old actor and fashion enthusiast Jaden Smith will take the helm as head designer for Christian Louboutin's menswear line, marking his first foray into leading a luxury fashion house's entire collection. The announcement was made earlier this week, with the debut set to take place at Paris Fashion Week for men in January 2026.
The decision to hand over the reins of his eponymous brand, which he founded in 1991, is a first for Christian Louboutin. The renowned designer, who is 62 years old, expressed his conviction in Smith's creativity, enthusiasm, taste, and passion. Louboutin believes that Smith can inject 'visibility' into the line, bringing a fresh perspective to the established brand.
Smith, who has ventured into music and fashion with his own brand MSFTSrep and a collaboration with New Balance, considers his elevation as one of the biggest honours of his life. He has been learning the ropes by visiting Italian factories and immersing himself in the intricacies of the fashion industry.
Despite feeling the pressure to live up to what Louboutin has done for the house and stepping into a serious role, Smith is eager to make his mark. He will be responsible for four collections per year, including shoes, leather goods, and accessories, for the entire luxury fashion house's line.
The menswear line launched in 2008 and has grown to account for a quarter of Louboutin's revenue. With Smith at the helm, the brand is poised to enter a new era, bringing together the established expertise of Louboutin and the innovative spirit of Smith.
Louboutin, who is convinced of Smith's lack of technique but is confident in his learning ability, is happy to have an 'intelligent voice from a different generation' at his side. Smith, the son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, has acted in films such as 'The Pursuit of Happyness' and 'The Karate Kid,' adding another string to his bow as he prepares to make his mark on the fashion world.
This article is copyrighted by AFP in 2025.
