Christian Louboutin returns to the concept of nude with a new Nudes capsule collection, expanding on a vision first introduced in 2013. The Maison brings back the Nudes collection through the Cassia Lace Up, a shoe that draws from ballet’s physical language and reshapes it to reflect the idea of inclusion through skin tone.
SHOES
The story of the Nudes began when Christian Louboutin recognized that one shade could not define what “nude” means. He understood that the word held more than a color. It suggested a concept, and that concept had to reflect real people.
The new design appears in five shades of soft crepe satin. Each color matches the tone it was made for and vanishes into the skin. The material choice adds softness while recalling the fabric of traditional ballet slippers. Satin ribbons tie around the ankle, repeating the ritual of a dancer preparing to perform. The silhouette sits on a 100 mm sculptural stiletto heel.
Christian Louboutin first explored ballet as a design reference in earlier projects. He created the Ballet Plate for Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 1998 Couture show. In 2007, he worked with David Lynch on the Ballerina Ultima. Cassia Lace Up builds on this history by combining ballet’s structured forms with the raw language of the Nudes collection.
The design uses a square toe that mirrors the shape of a pointe shoe. From there, the structure curves into a fine heel. The shift in form feels deliberate: the design pays tribute to classical technique, while opening space for something more sensual. It recalls the grace of ballet without repeating its exclusions.
The Nudes capsule continues to reflect Christian Louboutin’s approach to design. It draws from a single gesture and builds a full concept around it. Through the Cassia Lace Up, the Maison brings together material, movement, and tone in a way that does not break the line between leg and shoe. The limited edition will launch in stores on July 9.
