Jaden Smith has been named the first men’s Creative director of Christian Louboutin. This appointment brings fresh energy to the company, which is renowned for its iconic red soles, and signals an ambitious investment in its men’s business.
Christian Louboutin explained that the choice came naturally rather than from a formal search. After knowing Smith for years, Louboutin saw not just a fashion collaborator, but also someone who shares his curiosity and joy for design. Their connection is based on shared values of creativity, respect, and a passion for personal expression.
Smith, who is 27, will relocate to Paris to take up the position. His first official designs will be unveiled in January during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. The scope of his role is significant. He will oversee four annual collections, including shoes, leather goods, and accessories. He will also be responsible for campaigns, events, and immersive experiences designed to promote the men’s category of the company.
For Smith, this opportunity is deeply personal. He has long been immersed in footwear, amassing a collection of shoes that he studies for construction and detail rather than for wear. Speaking about his appointment, Smith admitted to feeling the weight of responsibility, but he also expressed his excitement to contribute new ideas to a brand he has admired since childhood. From an early age, the brand has been part of his life, thanks to the sight of his mother Jada Pinkett Smith’s red-bottom heels, his father Will Smith’s own Louboutins, and even requests from his first girlfriend.
Smith and Louboutin first met in 2019, and their connection dates back to then. Over time, Louboutin observed Smith’s unique style, adventurous approach to fashion, and creative mindset. The partnership was less about finding a designer to fill a role and more about recognizing someone who could embody the future of the men’s category.
Smith’s creative world extends beyond footwear. In 2012, he co-founded the streetwear label MSFTSrep with his sister, Willow Smith, and friends. He has frequently partnered with New Balance, developing sneakers that challenge style and sustainability conventions. Smith recently announced plans to launch MSFTSRep Infinity, a new brand iteration designed around retrospection, art, and movement. This new venture will allow him to focus on his new position at Christian Louboutin.
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Louboutin acknowledges that Smith’s appointment enables him to focus more on the rapidly growing women’s line, which currently drives most of the company’s momentum. Men’s shoes represent about 24 percent of the brand’s business, but growth in this category has slowed. By entrusting Smith with creative leadership, Louboutin hopes to revitalize the men’s line and expand its global footprint.
Smith’s arrival coincides with sneakers becoming central to Louboutin’s men’s offerings, accounting for around half of sales. Signature lines like Louis and Chambeliss continue to perform strongly. However, the brand sees untapped potential in broadening its appeal, especially through new retail openings and stronger wholesale channels. The company already operates men’s stores in Paris and New York and has plans to expand.
Beyond design, Smith’s influence is expected to be vital for communication and outreach. With over 19 million Instagram followers, he alone can amplify the brand’s visibility. Christian Louboutin himself admitted that he rarely considers how his designs will look in a campaign when he creates them, while Smith approaches creativity with a wider lens that naturally incorporates image and storytelling. The balance between detail-oriented craftsmanship and broader cultural impact excites the company.
Smith also brings a clear interest in sustainability. Early discussions with Louboutin included questions about the brand’s environmental practices, an area in which the company has been working to improve. Smith’s perspective reflects a generational demand for accountability in fashion, and he is likely to place a greater emphasis on how Louboutin approaches sustainable materials and production.
The cultural significance of this appointment extends beyond luxury fashion. For many young sneaker enthusiasts, Smith is a visible figure who challenges the conventions of masculinity and style. His approach to footwear has always been personal, guided by mood and emotion rather than rules. Some days he starts with the shoes; other days, he lets the clothing dictate his choice. This spontaneous relationship with footwear mirrors how many sneakerheads experience their collections – not as uniform sets, but as personal archives tied to feelings and identity.
His debut will arrive in two phases. An avant-première capsule collection will be released in January at select boutiques worldwide and on christianlouboutin.com, offering a first glimpse into his vision. His full Fall/Winter 2026 collection will hit stores in May.
For Louboutin, who built an empire on women’s heels before expanding into men’s shoes 15 years ago, Smith represents both continuity and change. Their shared love of color, architecture, and playful self-expression hints at a creative partnership that will propel the company forward while staying true to its founder’s vision.
For Smith, the position is both a challenge and validation of his evolving role in fashion. From acting to music to sneakers, his creative path has always been unpredictable. Now, with Christian Louboutin, he is assuming one of the most prestigious roles in luxury footwear. The eyes of the sneaker world and the fashion industry are on him, waiting to see what he will deliver next.