CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN’S FIVE TIPS FOR A BRILLIANT TRIP TO THE BEACH
1.PICK YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
The Cyclades captured Christian’s imagination for Loubi’s on the Beach. “There is nothing like the sea in Greece in the summer. That’s something [that inspired] the collection, alongside elements of antiquity, the blue eye and folk art – all merged in a rich cultural mix-and-match. I thought it would be fun to combine all these elements. [It’s] like Greece is now, all mixed together: from the geometric archaic period of pottery to tourist maps and 17th-century embroideries.”
2. THE ACCESSORIES ARE EVERYTHING
“I like to travel light,” Christian says of his own beach essentials. “I’d be packing my beach towel, a good book, a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen.” His motto for the beach? “Friends and family together, enjoying the sun and sea; good times and tan lines, as they say!” But whether you prefer basking on the sand or beach sports, Christian has you covered. “The collection features everything you might need – from Loubi surfboards, beach bats and balls, to swim sets, towels, cups and water bottles.”
3. MAKE THE BOARDWALK YOUR CATWALK (OR DOGWALK)
For the first time, Christian Louboutin has branched out into pet accessories, so you and your pooch can match this summer. “I have two dogs in Portugal, Bingo and Zenobie – true members of the family. They’re free spirits, taking in the surroundings all day long, laying in the sun and coming back home for lunches and dinners. But sometimes they need a bit of direction, so I thought they should also have some accessories: leashes, collars and harnesses embracing the joyful and colourful DNA of the brand.”
4. FIND THE FUN
“I like taking long walks on the beach – I spend a lot of time in Portugal where the windy conditions and waves draw a lot of surfers; it’s amazing to watch them. Beach culture has its own distinct charm. [Also,] a day at the beach is not complete without a serving of ice cream. In fact, we’ve tried to recreate the traditional beach kiosk at The Corner Shop, which will be serving specially created ice creams and flavoured seltzers.
5. IF IN DOUBT, BRING THE BEACH TO YOU
It can’t always be Aegean seas and ice-cold seltzers on demand. How best to brighten up less dreamy locations? “Dressing up your city wardrobe with a good pair of summer shoes always helps!”