Throughout my blogging, I’ve spoken extensively about how design is not always reliant on being excellent- but also iconic. This is especially prevalent in the fashion industry.
Oftentimes, something in fashion will gain traction due to it being worn by idols of the fashion world. Bella Hadid wears a pair of ripped jeans and the next week ripped jeans are in everyone’s checkout bag online at Frasers. These idols spark the fashion industry in motion- and their support for certain designers makes all the difference.
In 2018, rapper Cardi B released the world-renowned song “Bodak Yellow”. In Bodak Yellow, an important piece of lyricism is remarked: “These are red bottoms, these are bloody shoes”. In the song, Cardi B was referring to the famous and iconic red bottom shoes by Christian Louboutin.
Christian Louboutin shoes became famous due to several factors. Their signature bright red sole design became iconic and synonymous with luxury, as at the time of creation they were the only shoes that had the trademark red sole. Furthermore, many high-profile celebrities wore the brand, increasing its visibility and popularity, almost as though the shoes themselves were synonymous with being high profile.
Most importantly, the brand’s shoes are crafted with high-quality materials and traditional techniques, almost “backing up” their claim to fame with a quality product.
Several high-profile celebrities have contributed to making Christian Louboutin shoes famous. Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, and most importantly, as previously mentioned, Cardi B, are among the celebrities who have endorsed and worn the brand’s shoes, helping to increase their visibility and popularity. These celebrity endorsements have played a role in positioning Christian Louboutin as a leader in the luxury fashion industry.
Honestly, it seems as though a sure-fire way to popularize your brand and launch it into being iconic is having a bunch of celebrities be documented wearing them.
About to enter the world of fashion, I find it a bit daunting that whenever I seem to look up a certain “iconic” piece, it’s almost always iconic due to celebrity endorsement. But then again, we look up to these idols for good reason. Oftentimes, these celebrities are known for making excellent fashion choices that are reputable. It’s quite a chicken-and-egg scenario.
I guess “great design” is, of course, a good quality product, but also, excellent marketing and using celebrities to your advantage.