Louis Vuitton and Louboutin are excellent luxury brands but what is the difference between Louis Vuitton and Louboutin? Both brands are based out of France and manufacture shoes and handbags. However, Louis Vuitton is better known for its classic bags while Louboutin is known for its red-bottomed heels.
Louis Vuitton and Louboutin are both well-known names in the luxury fashion industry. Both brands are admired for their designer goods, especially when it comes to shoes and handbags. While the names sound very similar, they are two different luxury brands.
Designer Christian Louboutin opened his first store in Paris in 1992, selling his shoes that were originally crafted in Italy. The shoes are known for their undeniable red bottoms, which are a sign of luxury and wealth for wearers and buyers.
Louis Vuitton was founded all the way back in 1854 by designer Louis Vuitton Malletier in Paris, France, and continues to thrive in popularity even now.
So why do the two companies often get confused? The confusion most likely has to do with the similar-sounding brand names, which are both well known in the sphere of designer brands.
The names sounding alike are purely coincidence, as the companies were founded over 100 years apart by different designers. Since both designers were French, that gives insight to why the last names sound similar.
Are Louis Vuitton and Louboutin the Same
Louis Vuitton and Louboutin are not the same. If you are unversed in common luxury fashion brands, it makes sense why you may get them confused. The names sound similar and both manufacture luxury goods based out of Paris, France.
However, the companies were founded over 100 years apart, with Louis Vuitton brand being established back in the 1850s. Louis Vuitton is well known for its handbags which are crafted from a single piece of leather and feature classic designs that have yet to go out of fashion, Louboutin is known for its red-bottomed shoes and heels, signifying luxury and wealth among its wearers.
Which is Better: Louis Vuitton or Louboutin
Comparison between the brands is hard to judge since the brands are very different in what they sell and the audiences they are reaching. Yes, both companies reach for wealthy women who are purchasing luxury fashion, but the “better” brand depends on what you are shopping for, what your budget is, and if you are paying attention to customer service, company policies, etc.
If you’re looking for a good, classic handbag, Louis Vuitton is the way to go. Their bags are timeless and last for years. Whether you’re looking for a small crossbody or a large tote bag, they will have something for you. If you’re looking for a pair of heels that will be the life of the party and admired by many, Louboutin is the company for you.
As far as company culture goes, Louis Vuitton seems to have a good rep among employees. Indeed.com employee reviews gives the company about 4 stars, saying it’s a diverse company with great teamwork. Louboutin also has a 4-star review from former employees but says although the team is great, management can apply extra stress to the job.
Why Does Louboutin Have Red Bottoms
Louboutin is known for its red bottoms, which can be spotted for a mile away. Seeing someone with a red-bottomed shoe indicates wealth and class, creating a great reputation for the designer brand. Everyone knows Louboutin as the heels with the red bottoms, no matter the heel design.
The history behind the red bottom on Louboutin shoes is actually quite amusing. During a trip to a museum in his young adulthood, Louboutin noticed a sign asking women to not wear high heels as to not scuff the flooring.
He was inspired by the rebelliousness of a forbidden shoe and decided to make the heels stand out and empower women to wear bold things. When a prototype of a shoe was delivered to him inspired by a Warhol painting, he found it quite dull. At the time, his assistant was painting her nails a bright shade of red, which inspired Louboutin to create the red bottoms.
Now, the red bottom continues to be a sign of boldness for women. Women with a lot of power such as influencers, CEOs, celebrities, and more are often seen rocking the red bottom.
Are Louboutins the Only Shoes with a Red Sole
The color of a shoe sole may not seem exclusive, but Louboutin actually owns the exclusive right to the red sole shoe. It is not just a design element, but a trademarked signifier of the Louboutin brand.
This phenomenon actually went to a court case in the European Union to determine if it was lawful to trademark color, and in 2018 the court ruled in Louboutin’s favor. While there are most likely scams and fake shoes on the market, they are not authentic Louboutins. So whenever you see that famous red sole, you’ll know it’s the real deal.
Why are the Bottoms of Louboutins Red
The bottoms of Louboutin shoes are red to signify power and confidence in women. The shoes are a status symbol of a successful woman and are to be worn with pride and confidence.
The color red was chosen for the shoes after Louboutin, disappointed with a prototype of his heel designed, noticed his assistant painting her nails that particular shade of red. He decided to implement that color on that prototype, as well as all his future heels.
How Can You Tell if Red Bottom Shoes are Fake
Louboutin trademarked his iconic red heel in a case that went to the European Union in 2018. The case solidified that Louboutin was the only designer who could use that shade of red for his shoe soles.
If you see a shade of red-heeled shoes that are a different color red, they are most likely fake. Louboutin uses the same red called Lipstick Red in all of his designs, and the color can vary slightly more orange depending on the factory. If you see a shoe that is a deeper red or a very bright red, it may be a fake.
You can also tell if a red bottom shoe is a fake Louboutin by the quality. Louboutin uses high-quality leather for its designs. If a shoe has bad, wrinkly leather or scuffs and scratches easily, it is most likely a fake.
Why Are Louboutin Heels So Expensive
Louboutin’s famous trademarked red bottom heels can range anywhere between $700 to $6,000. But why are they so expensive? As a luxury brand, the shoes are made with quality leather.
Quality leather and other materials are more expensive than synthetic leathers or materials used in the US for shoes. Furthermore, Louboutin himself says it is more expensive to make shoes in Europe, which is where the company is based.
Manufacturers and factories are smaller and spend more time on each pair, which raises the price as a result. Lastly, as a luxury and trademarked brand, people expect a high price tag. As long as the price stays high, people will associate the shoes with luxury and class and will pay to have that.
Conclusion
Now that we have differentiated between Louis Vuitton and Louboutin, we are more well-versed in the luxury fashion industry. Louis Vuitton is most known for its classic handbags while Louboutin is known for the iconic red-bottomed heel. Both brands are exceptional high-end brands and can offer what you are looking for to achieve a luxurious look.
