Jaden Smith Debuts Menswear Collection For Christian Louboutin
A review of the Christian Louboutin Fall/Winter 2026 menswear collection
written MALCOLM THOMAS
When it was announced last September that Christian Louboutin had appointed its first-ever Men’s Creative Director, it marked a bold new chapter for the brand. A brand that, at that point, had already left its global footprint on one of fashion’s most lucrative categories.
Paris Fashion Week FW26
Jaden Smith Menswear Collection for Christian Louboutin
Emerging not just as another shoe brand, catered to women on the rise but as a sexy symbol of status, most notable for its blood red soles, known en masse as red bottoms, and framed in perpetuity as “bloody shoes” by Cardi B in her chart-topping smash, Bodak Yellow, a song that ironically did as much for her career as it did to cement Christian Louboutin in the culture.
Paris Fashion Week FW26
Jaden Smith Menswear Collection for Christian Louboutin
It was over 15 years ago that Louboutin launched its menswear line. A sub-category which now accounts for 24% of its business, and it was more than six years ago when the designer began a dialogue with then, 21-year-old, Jaden Smith. A child of parents who in their own right, had a part in shaping culture. A dialogue between the two seemed fitting— his appointment as a creative stakeholder seemed shocking—remember that bold new chapter?
Unveiled Wednesday at an elaborate exhibition in Paris, somewhere between cinema and mythology, the Fall/Winter 2026 menswear collection was displayed. Heroed by shoes, of course, merchandized on antiquity-inspired columns throughout, with accompanying wall placards, the same kind you might find in a gallery or museum. The positioning was clear. Less status. More art.
Paris Fashion Week FW26
Jaden Smith Menswear Collection for Christian Louboutin
Paris Fashion Week FW26
Jaden Smith Menswear Collection for Christian Louboutin
Paris Fashion Week FW26
Jaden Smith Menswear Collection for Christian Louboutin
From the virality of the campaign imagery, projected full screen on the wall and in a viewing area, Smith’s bare-chested body, painted in red, also on display—a kind of nod to the rapper’s full creative immersion, to the role itself, these were made for see and be seen moments. Some moments, bolder than others, fur boots for instance, worn by Jaden Smith, himself in the video, certainly not made for wallflowers, but rather a temperature check of how far Christian and Jaden are willing to go. Wax-dripped boots were another editorial moment, which I think may also have a retail moment too, as well as logo-ed belts and a utility bag with titled pockets and compartments, stone masons and scribes among Smith’s inspiration and romanticization of the working man.
Paris Fashion Week FW26
Jaden Smith Menswear Collection for Christian Louboutin
Paris Fashion Week FW26
Jaden Smith Menswear Collection for Christian Louboutin
Next: a full collection slated for runway and sale next season, and the capsule collection in select boutiques and on christianlouboutin.com. Available now.
Paris Fashion Week FW26
Jaden Smith Menswear Collection for Christian Louboutin
about the editor
When not reviewing shows or writing features, Malcolm spends his time as Founder & Editorial Director of Malcolm + Friends Agency. A full-service agency powered by a global community of freelancers, consultants, and creative partners from leading brands and institutions.
all images (c) Christian Louboutin Press