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

Jessica Simpson Copies Christian Louboutin

Not really that shocking.

Jezebel reports that the reality star and fashion mogul has just debuted a platform sandal for her own shoe line that appears notably similar to an old creation by revered shoe designer Christian Louboutin.

At a glance the lavender and black platform and hot pink strapped stiletto with yellow piping differs slightly only in its absence of the iconic red sole.

A certain likeness: Christian Louboutin's 'Statarata' (top) and Jessica Simson's 'Evangel' are remarkably similar

In an ad for Simpson's 'Evangel', as the shoe has been named, the star herself sits in a wicker hanging chair in a sun-drenched garden, wearing a bold purple empire-line sundress. On her feet, the hot pink sandals are strapped, playfully picking out the pink of the background flowerbed.

 Jessica Simpson still wears her heels despite pregnancy

Christian Louboutin designed the 'Statarata' in 2010, but because clothing and accessories are not protected by copyright law in the US, the company will not be able to take action regardless of their views on Simpson's shoe. 

Budget-conscious fashionistas however will no doubt be flocking to the shops to snatch up a pair of the affordable platforms.

The 'Evangel' carry a fairly priced tag of $98 while the slightly daintier 'Staratata' set buyers back a whopping $995.

Simpson's advert ironically ran this month in Elle, the glossy that picked out and brought readers' attention to the 'Staratata' when it was launched two years ago. 

A resounding success among celebrities who wore them and magazines that featured them, the shoes sold out, their popularity inspiring a re-release in a variety of new colors.

Christian Louboutin "Sex" Shoes

Have you seen these? I think they're gorgeous. Although, there are very few Louboutins that I'd say no to. I like the subtlety of these. The word "sex" is divided amongst the two shoes so it's not so easy to spot. Plus, it's sparkly. 

Kate Upton and Katy Perry have both been photographed wearing them.

Kate Upton at the Jeffery Fashion Cares event in NY:

 

 Kate with the founder of the event, Jeffrey Kalinsky

 Katy Perry wore the same shoes in Berlin last week.

Best Wedges of the Season-Christian Louboutin Melides

I'm a sucker for any kind of high wedge shoe. These Christian Louboutin Melides can't get in my closet fast enough! I love the neutral fabric, and the piping reminds me of Pierre Hardy. LOVE piping.