Christian Louboutin Exhibition at London Design Museum

Christian Louboutin has single-handedly transformed the six-inch stiletto from Cabaret prop to closet staple.

But his iconic red soles are also responsible for a plethora of podiatric ailments.

Rather than feel any regret for inflicting pain on many a discerning fashionista however, the French cobbler has adopted a 'take it or leave it attitude'.

Louboutin says he feels little sympathy for those who suffer while wearing his designs, describing the relationship between a woman and her heels as a quasi-masochistic experience.

He told Grazia magazine: 'High heels are pleasure with pain.

'If you can't walk in them, don't wear them.'

 Louboutin's six-inch spiked shoes, above, and a pair designed for the English National Ballet courtesy of Swarovski, below

The London Design Museum is showing a retrospective of the designer's creations next month

One fan who would agree is Victoria Beckham, who despite reportedly experiencing severe bunions and a slipped disc, would never relinquish wearing her favourite shoes.

Celebrating his 20th anniversary, Louboutin's high-end label is the subject of a an exhibition at the London Design Museum next month.

He has also released a coffee-table book, a weighty tome that marks two decades in fashion and his path from intern to A-lister.

Louboutin's journey as a cobbler began at Paris music hall Folies Bergere, where he first worked and was inspired by the world of Cabaret - a theme which still features heavily in his collections today.

So much so that the 49-year-old recently accepted a role as 'guest creator' at Crazy Horse.

But he credits his breakthrough moment to Tina Turner, who wore his designs at a concert ten years ago.

With a stellar career behind him, it's hard to imagine what would be next on Louboutin's to-do list.

But it appears he has his sights set on a new genre of clients.

He said: 'If I could do shoes for anyone it would be a special project for the Queen of England. 

'She and the Pope are the ultimate clients.'

Read the full interview in this week's Grazia magazine

 Louboutin is currently guest creator at Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris