Christian Louboutin “No Prive Riche” crystal embellished peep-toe slingback pump, $2,875.
New York – French shoe czar Christian Louboutin took legenday design house Yves Saint Laurent to court over using the color red on the outer sole of their designer kicks, a signiature of Louboutin shoes.
Who isn’t familiar with the iconic red soles of Louboutins. They’ve graced the covers of magazines, been featured in films, and dressed up some of the most well-known feet in the world from Oprah Winfrey to Angelina Jolie.
On Wednesday, a New York district court ruled that Christian Louboutin does not have exclusive rights to embellishing shoes with red soles. This comes after YSL used crimson-colored outersoles for their 2011 Cruise Collection. US District Judge Victor Marrero stated, “Because in the fashion industry color serves ornamental and aesthetic functions vital to robust competition, the court finds that Louboutin is unlikely to be able to prove that its red outsole brand is entitled to trademark protection.” [Shine]
This decision undoubtedly came as a blow to the eponymous shoe designer; with such a ruling, other designers are sure to jump on the opportunity to capitalize on the notoriety of what has been seen as Christian Louboutin’s signature red sole. Louboutin will definitely have to do some soul searching to plan his next strategic steps.
What do you think? Should Louboutin been given exclusive rights to using red soles?
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
