1963:

Christian Louboutin was born in Paris in 1963.

1976

Christian Louboutin visited the Museum of African art. He saw a sign which showed a woman's sharp-heeled shoe, crossed out with a vivid red line. The image, which dated back to the 1950's and was intended to safeguard the museum's parquet floor, fascinated him. It was then that he decided to create shoes that would "make women feel empowered and confident"

1979

He ran away from home and lived in Egypt and one year in India

1980

He returned to Paris. His earliest designs were intended for the feet of the graceful dancers gliding the stage, an opportunity afforded to him in 1980, when he was offered an apprenticeship at the Folies Bergeres.

1982

In 1982, he moved to Charles Jourdan at Romans, which at the time created shoes for the house of Christian Dior. This afforded him subsequent freelance opportunities for various prestigious design houses including Maud Frison, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent

1991

In 1991, upon hearing of a newly available boutique in the Vero-Dodat gallerie, a stylish Parisian arcade located close to the Louvre, Christian and two other friends came together as business associates to officially form Christian Louboutin, the company.

2007

Louboutin topped the Luxury Institute's annual Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) for three years; the brand's offerings were declared the Most Prestigious Women's Shoes in 2007, 2008, and 2009.