People say I am the king of painful shoes. I don't want to create

Host: The room feels calm, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light across the space. Outside, the world has settled into the evening, with the quiet of the night creating the perfect atmosphere for a conversation about design, beauty, and the sacrifices we make for fashion. Jeeny sits on the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, a cup of tea resting in her hands. Jack, standing near the window, gazes out at the darkened world outside, clearly lost in thought.

Jeeny: “Jack, I came across a quote from Christian Louboutin today that made me think about the intersection of art and function in design,” she says softly. “He said, ‘People say I am the king of painful shoes. I don’t want to create painful shoes, but it is not my job to create something comfortable. I try to make high heels as comfortable as they can be, but my priority is design, beauty, and sexiness. I’m not against them, but comfort is not my focus.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: He turns slowly, his brow furrowing slightly as he processes her words. “That’s an interesting take, isn’t it? It’s almost like he’s saying that, in the world of fashion, comfort is secondary to aesthetic and design. When you’re creating something like high heels, the priority isn’t necessarily the ease of wearing them but how they look, how they make you feel, and the statement they make. I can see how that’s true in the world of high fashion — comfort often takes a backseat to the allure of beauty and elegance.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about the artistry of the design. Louboutin isn’t necessarily saying that he wants people to suffer in his shoes, but he’s acknowledging that high heels are about making a statement. They’re about the look, the feeling of power or confidence they give the wearer, and the beauty they convey. In a way, it’s a choice people make — they sacrifice a certain level of comfort for the aesthetic and the impact those shoes have.”

Host: The light in the room seems to soften, as though their conversation is uncovering a deeper idea about the relationship between function and beauty. Jeeny speaks with an understanding that Louboutin’s shoes are a fusion of art and fashion, where the design takes precedence. Jack stands still, reflecting on how fashion is often about more than just practicality — it’s about creating an experience, an identity, and a feeling.

Jack: “I think it’s really interesting because, in some ways, fashion, like art, isn’t always about making something comfortable. It’s about creating something that makes a statement, something that challenges us or inspires us in some way. And, yes, it might come with a little bit of discomfort, but the focus is on the design and the feeling it creates. People choose these shoes because they’re more than just footwear; they’re a symbol of confidence, elegance, and style.”

Jeeny: “Yes! And I think what Louboutin is pointing out is that comfort doesn’t always align with the goal of creating something that’s visually stunning or has that level of impact. People who wear high heels, in a sense, are embracing a certain type of beauty — one that’s not always about ease, but about the way the shoes make them feel, the way they transform their appearance, and the statement they make about who they are. There’s something powerful about that kind of self-expression.”

Host: The conversation feels richer now, as they reflect on how fashion, particularly high fashion, often involves a balance between beauty and comfort. Jeeny and Jack both agree that fashion isn’t always about making things practical — it’s about pushing boundaries, creating something that transcends utility, and evokes a deeper emotional or aesthetic response. Christian Louboutin’s words remind them that sometimes, the beauty of design lies in its ability to make us feel something, even if that feeling comes with a bit of discomfort.

Jack: “It’s like the balance between form and function. When you’re creating something iconic, comfort can’t always be the driving force. Louboutin is saying that while comfort is important, his true goal is to create shoes that wow you, that make a statement and elevate how you feel when you wear them. It’s about creating something memorable, something that people will admire, not just because it’s easy to wear, but because of what it represents.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And people are willing to make that tradeoff because they understand the power of the design. When you wear a pair of Louboutin heels, you’re not just putting on shoes — you’re stepping into a feeling of confidence, luxury, and allure. The discomfort might be temporary, but the experience of wearing them, and the way they make you feel, is what people are after. In that way, beauty and design take precedence.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, as if the weight of their conversation has settled into something deeper. Jeeny and Jack reflect on the ways in which fashion is not just about comfort, but about creating art, identity, and expression. Christian Louboutin’s words remind them that fashion, particularly high fashion, is a blend of beauty, power, and sacrifice. Sometimes, it’s not about comfort — it’s about the statement those creations make and the emotions they evoke.