He’s known by fashionistas the world over for theatrical designs, featuring his signature glossy red soles. Renowned luxury shoemaker, Christian Louboutin has opened up his personal archives filled with handmade, exclusive designs to be viewed, adored and applauded by the public.

After more than 20 years in the fashion industry and with the backing of celebs, socialites and wannabes alike, Louboutin has now given us a closer look into the origins of his creative genius. He has used this exhibit as an opportunity to display his less wearable and more artistic works. Part shoe, part sculpture, Louboutin’s designs are executed with an unmatched craftsmanship that has defied the test of time, the confines of fashion and the definition of art.

The exhibition will lead the viewer through the artist’s design process from start to finish. Also included is a detailed journey through the ground-breaking design of a Louboutin retail store. Attendees will be shown the origin of the beloved signature sole, which the designer originally created using a bottle of red nail polish.

There will be a special section dedicated to the shoes designed for the racy ‘Fetish’ exhibition where Louboutin collaborated with celebrated artist David Lynch at Paris’ La Gallerie Du Passage in 2007.  The erotic series of photographs feature images of nude women wearing only the sadomasochistic creations of Louboutin.

Also explored, will be the designers sources of inspiration, from showgirls to fantasy, fairytales, architecture and landscape, a true artist, Louboutin’s creativity is sparked by not only his surroundings, but the imagined world as well.

This is a must-see exhibit for anyone who looks at opulent fashion as an art and the body as its canvas. The Christian Louboutin exhibition will take place at The Design Museum in London from May 1 – July 9, 2012.

– Tamara Franklin