Jaden Smith stirs up a new discussion about nepotism in the fashion industry at Louboutin event
Christian Louboutin, the famed fashion designer known for his iconic red-soled stilettos, has made a surprising move in the industry by appointing Jaden Smith, son of actor Will Smith, as the new chief menswear designer for his brand.
Jaden Smith, who has a long-standing relationship with sneaker-maker New Balance, steps into the hotseat with limited experience in the fashion industry. This decision has sparked discussions about nepotism in the fashion world, with the term "nepo babies" frequently attached to Smith. However, Louboutin is convinced by Smith's creativity and is happy to have an intelligent voice from a different generation at his side.
The choice of Smith as chief menswear designer echoes LVMH's decision to name Pharrell Williams as creative director for menswear at Louis Vuitton. Smith will be responsible for four men's collections per year, including shoes, leather goods, and accessories for Louboutin's brand. He is set to move to Paris to take on this new role.
Smith, who has a passion for environmental causes, has backed a sustainable bottled water business and a vegan food truck for the homeless. His eccentric style, which he has showcased at fashion events such as the Grammy Awards and the Met Gala, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Louboutin's brand.
Louboutin's brand, while famous for its women's shoes, also generates around a quarter of its sales from menswear. Louboutin believes that Smith will show the brand's vision in a more visible way. The Business of Fashion publication agrees, stating that Louboutin is taking a step towards succession by bringing in a new creative director for the men's category.
Jaden Smith's appointment comes at a time of fierce competition from corporate juggernauts such as LVMH and a global slump for the sector. However, Louboutin sees Smith's 19 million Instagram followers as a way to connect with younger audiences. Smith's co-founding of niche unisex streetwear brand MSFTSrep in 2012, aimed at fellow Gen Z and Millennial fashionistas, further supports this belief.
Stella McCartney, another child of a famous parent, has confounded critics by establishing herself as a major player in the fashion world. Smith expressed feeling pressure to live up to Louboutin's legacy in his new role, but he is ready to take on the challenge. Louboutin's appointment of Smith could be seen as a first step towards succession in the brand.
In conclusion, Christian Louboutin's decision to appoint Jaden Smith as his chief menswear designer is a bold move that promises to bring a fresh perspective to the brand. While the appointment has sparked discussions about nepotism, Smith's passion for fashion, environmental causes, and his large social media following make him a valuable asset to the brand. Only time will tell if Smith can live up to the expectations and help Louboutin's brand navigate the competitive fashion industry.
Read also:
- Late-night host Lawrence O'Donnell responds to Jimmy Kimmel's departure with a discussion on a subject "Donald Trump doesn't wish us to examine"
- EU Member States cast their decisions
- Eighteen-Year-Old Speaks Out Against Lowering Voting Age to Sixteen
- King Charles's body language analyst dissects signs of apparent 'impatience' exhibited by Charles towards Trump
