While we all are being inundated with dreary news of a supposedly failing economy (and consequently retreating to a life of at-home entertainment and bargain-shopping), it's refreshing to see an injection of pure luxury items to celebrate craftsmanship in decorative arts. Christian Louboutin designed three styles of a shoe inspired by Marie Antoinette, producing 36 pairs that, despite their $6,300 price tags, are selling. (Had I an extra, unneeded seven grand laying around, I'd be all over the yellow ones, which would look hot with a skinny jean.)
It seems that, whatever the status of the stock market or our pocketbooks, there always is room for high-quality goods and rare artistic works... Louboutin has combined both into a stylish, compact package and likely strengthened the "luxury" of his luxury brand in the process. If he doesn't raise the baseline prices for his prêt-à-porter before economic recovery, expect an increase at the first sign of back-to-it fashionista consumerism.
