Inauguration and opening of the exhibition Christian Louboutin "niste"

The large-scale exhibition, Christian Louboutin, L’Exhibition[niste], returns this summer in a new form and is presented by the Grimaldi Forum Monaco from July 9 to August 28, 2022.

This second chapter is devoted to the work and imagination of Christian Louboutin, the shoe designer and key figure in the world of fashion, who has drawn much inspiration from the Principality. Christian Louboutin, L’Exhibition[niste], Chapter II has been redesigned by its curator, Olivier Gabet, Director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and offers the public a new perspective on his work. Across a spectacular 2,000 m2 set, it unveils previously unseen pieces related to the designer’s Monegasque inspirations, as well as new collaborations.

“When Monaco organises exhibitions, they ensure free expression because the locations that host them can be transformed at will. At the Grimaldi Forum, I saw Bacon and Giacometti, two exhibitions that were conceived completely differently. There was a freedom in their design and narration that allowed me to re-imagine my own exhibition without constraint.”

Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin forged a special relationship with Monaco in the 1990s. To this day, he continues to be inspired by the Principality’s extraordinary vibrancy, its unique history with artists and the entertainment world, and the richness of the Musée océanographique de Monaco and the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco’s collections.

Far from a traditional retrospective, the exhibition has been designed as a joyful odyssey across three decades of overflowing creativity. Indeed, it is imbued with a curiosity for all arts and cultures. At the heart of the exhibition, the «Imaginary Museum» room brings together items from Christian Louboutin’s personal collection and heritage, as well as artistic pieces borrowed from public and private collections.

These include pieces from Monegasque museums. It explores various themes present in the designer’s work, such as his love of dance and the heritage of the Russian Ballet; the pop influence of Warhol; the photographic genius of Helmut Newton; and his fascination for oceanography. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, L’EXHIBITION[NISTE] CHAPTER II FROM 9 JULY TO 28 AUGUST 2022 GRIMALDI FORUM MONACO - 2022 CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, L’EXHIBITION[NISTE], CHAPTER II [6] Several exceptional loans highlights Christian Louboutin’s passion for the performing arts.

These items include two extraordinary pieces lent for the occasion by the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco: the headdress worn by Josephine Baker in 1974 and designed by André Levasseur; and the set design built in 1926 by the painter André Derain for the set of the ballet «Jack in the box» by Serge Diaghilev.

While the spotlight is on the shoes, through a selection of exceptional pieces that include some unique models, the designer also wanted to pay tribute to those who inspire and enchant him.

The exhibition presents exclusive collaborations by Christian Louboutin with artists and fashion designers, including a custom-built 3D installation designed by British visual artist Allen Jones. The artists installation offers visitors an immersive experience across a 170m2 exhibition space.

Other collaborations include a video by New Zealand artist Lisa Reihana, which, conceived as a walk amid dreams, combines works from Christian Louboutin’s personal collection with the places that are dear to him ; photographer Peter Lippmann was given carte blanche by Christian Louboutin to design a unique setting in this crypt for a thigh-length boot, the “Versaillaise”, which symbolises a chandelier after a drawing done by Christian in 2009. An unprecedented subject in its programming, the Grimaldi Forum offers a celebration of art through the eyes of a contemporary designer, Christian Louboutin.