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CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Strathberry Bag Review by Tanner Leatherstein

Brand Scorecard:

★★★★☆


Leather: 4.5

Hardware: 4

Design: 4

Engineering: 4

Craftmanship: 4.5



TOTAL: 4.21

Brand Website: christianlouboutin.com


TABLE OF CONTENTS


BRIEF HISTORY


Christian Louboutin, founded in 1991, has established itself as a leading name in global luxury, renowned for its iconic red-soled women’s shoes. Christian Louboutin born 7 January 1963, is a French fashion designer celebrated for his stiletto footwear with distinctive shiny, red-lacquered soles, which have become his signature.


Initially working as a freelance designer for fashion houses, Louboutin opened his own shoe salon in Paris, where his designs quickly gained favor with celebrity clientele. Over the years, he has collaborated with various organizations on special projects, including limited edition pieces, gallery exhibits, and a custom bar.


In addition to its famed women’s shoes, the company has successfully diversified its offerings to include men’s luxury footwear, leather goods, accessories, and beauty products. Today, Christian Louboutin remains a symbol of luxury and innovation in the fashion industry.


FIVE PILLARS OF A GOOD LEATHERCRAFT

CRITERIA

5 (Very Strong)

4 (Strong)

3 (Mixed)

2 (Limited)

1 (Not Present)

Leather

A perfect balance of art and fashion of leather tanning. Rare and artisanal hides from exceptional tanneries

Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries

Average corrected leathers that do NOT require high-quality raw hides. Less info on the source of the leather

Low-quality leather choice with significantly less information about the sourcing practice.

Inferior sketchy leather derivates or non-leather materials.

Hardware

Top of the line Stainless Steel or Brass Hardware with Highest Caliber Coatings

Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while.

Alloy hardware with acceptable coating. Lifetime may be impacted due to the coating of the hardware.

Serious flaws in the making and coating of the low-grade alloy hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet.

Non-metal, plastic, and non-durable hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet.

Design

A professional design language that is unique and consistent with the brand

A creative take on a classical design concept

Minimal changes to common styles

Almost copy of common/famous designs. Dysfunctional elements.

Problematic design elements affect the functionality, durability, and aesthetics of the product.

Engineering

Highly organized, sophisticated shape and form engineering with high-quality materials inside the craft.

Clean and quality inner support materials and structure

Acceptable cleanliness of inner work with medium-quality support materials

Messy inside with low-grade support elements

Complete lack of inner structure and craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship

Expert craftsmanship with flawless, hand or machine stitching, demonstrating advanced skills. No visible errors; edge paint is avoided using superior techniques.

Perfect machine stitching with excellent edge finishing. Immaculate inside and out, with no visible flaws, showing a commitment to quality.

Good overall stitching and alignment with minor flaws. Acceptable edge finishing, with fairly clean interior and exterior.


Noticeable misalignment and sloppy workmanship. Multiple errors affect visual appeal, with untidy interior work.


Poor craftsmanship with missed stitches, visible errors, and uncleaned residues. Major issues that may affect durability.

Overall Score

An incredible value for money that I have no problem recommending to anyone

Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try

A considerable offer with a relatively high price. Make your choice at your own discretion

Consider it well within your own criterion as the quality/price is not a decision point I can recommend here

Stay away!


READING MY ASSESSMENT SCORES

SCORE

NAME

DESCRIPTION

5

Strong Yes

⭐ This grade is given to brands that present great value for the price they charge you for their product. I have no problem confidently recommending you check their products. These are the brands I reach out to ask if they can give me an affiliate link so your purchases using my link can support my content efforts.

4

Yes

👍 This indicates that the brand meets all my expectations from the perspective of price and information they have about their products. I would happily buy their products at this level of quality/value score. This is the only other category of brands I request an affiliate link to support this channel to improve my Leathertainment content.

3

Mixed

➖ There are areas that I found less than desirable for the quality/price performance I appreciate personally. Some high-end luxury brands may fall under this category given I am looking for tangible value in the products, ignoring the intangible brand prestige they may offer as a value to their customers. I am not a customer of these brands and I wouldn’t recommend them to my audience if they do NOT value brand logos.

2

No

👎 This indicates that the product and the brand failed my expectations in significant ways and I won’t recommend them to anyone.

1

Strong No

❌ This is the lowest assessment and indicates fundamental issues in the product and/or the brand. I would say look somewhere else.


LEATHERVERSE MATRIX


The Leatherverse Brand Matrix visually compares leather brands based on sophistication and pricing, helping consumers understand their market positioning.


Legend

  • Vertical Axis: Ranges from simple artisan crafts to exclusive, master-crafted items.

  • Horizontal Axis: Covers pricing from low (no brand premium) to high (perceived luxury), with 2x multipliers for basic products and up to 15x for heavily marketed luxury items.

  • Diagonal Line: Represents the balance between price and performance. Brands on the line offer good value, those below suggest poor value, and those above offer exceptional value.


Strathberry's Leatherverse Brand Matrix by Tanner leatherstein

AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE

Based on these criteria, how would you rate Christian Louboutin as a brand?

How would you rate Christian Louboutin as a brand?

  • 5

  • 4

  • 3

  • 2



PRODUCTS REVIEWED


Christian Louboutin's Pigalle Pumps Review

Christian Louboutin's Pigalle Pumps

Watch the videos here:




Overpaying for something is never an easy pill to swallow. However, for some customers, it is a requirement to truly enjoy and appreciate the products they purchase. This concept is especially apparent in the world of high fashion and luxury brands. 


When it comes to luxury fashion, Christian Louboutin's red-soled shoes are always at the top of the list. His Pigalle pumps are a staple in every fashionista's closet, but with a price tag that can range from $795 to more than $1000, the question arises - are they worth it?


As a leather expert, I can confidently say that Christian Louboutin's Pigalle pumps are worth the investment (in terms of leather). In this blog post, we'll discuss the quality of the materials, the brand reputation, and the overall value of investing in a pair of Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps.


DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I purchased all of these products myself and am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in any way. All statements and expressions made about the products are solely the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein and are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein. 



Introduction


Christian Louboutin was founded by a determined and passionate shoe designer who got expelled from school at the age of 16 because of his love for the craft. After working as a designer in many luxury houses, he started his collection and found the perfect formula that made the brand what it is today.


One of the key factors behind the success of Christian Louboutin is its eye-catching design. The red sole on these shoes has become their trademark and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of luxury and glamour.


Apart from the design, the quality of the material used in these shoes is exceptional. The leather is patent and it is definitely a good-looking patent leather. The attention to detail in every aspect of the shoe is remarkable. You can tell that a lot of time and talent has gone into creating something that is so aesthetically pleasing to the eye. They used three different leathers for this specific shoe that I reviewed, and all of them had great quality.


The quality of these shoes is so high that they can last for years without any wear and tear. And this is something that people who overpay for these shoes know very well - they are not just buying a product, they are investing in a piece of art.


Another factor that contributes to the success of Christian Louboutin shoes is the exclusivity factor. Not everyone can afford them. This makes them even more desirable for those who can. When people wear Christian Louboutin shoes, they feel special and unique. This exclusivity factor is the driving force behind the brand's success in the fashion industry.


The status associated with owning a pair of Louboutin shoes is undeniable. It is a symbol of elegance and sophistication. People are willing to overpay for these shoes because they want to be associated with the status and prestige that comes with owning a pair of Louboutin shoes. It is a way for them to differentiate themselves from others and to stand out in a crowd. In a world that places a premium on individuality and uniqueness, owning a pair of Louboutin shoes is a way to express oneself and to make a statement.


Quality of Materials


One of the key selling points of Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps is the quality of their materials. Christian Louboutin uses three different types of leather to create these pumps—one for the upper, one for the lining, and one for the sole.


The leather used in these pumps is of the highest quality. The leather is soft and supple. The high-quality materials ensure the durability of these pumps and make them last for years. The only concerning part is that our viewers said that the heels were uncomfortable, and that it became painful to wear after two hours.


Brand Reputation


Christian Louboutin is known for its luxury shoes and has been a status symbol in the fashion industry for years. Investing in a pair of Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps means that you are buying into the brand's reputation and status.


A pair of these luxurious heels can elevate your outfit and add a touch of sophistication to your style. The brand's signature red sole is easily recognizable and is often associated with luxury and exclusivity.


Worth the Investment


Are Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps worth the investment? It depends.


If you're someone who values luxury and quality, then investing in these pumps might be worth it. These pumps can be worn for various occasions and can elevate any outfit.


However, if you're someone who doesn't prioritize luxury and is more budget-conscious, these pumps may not be worth the investment. In this case, there are many other high-quality pumps available at a more affordable price point. We will continue to explore them together!


Personal Style


One thing to consider before investing in Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps is your personal style. These pumps are statement shoes and can be challenging to style if your wardrobe doesn't match the shoes' boldness.


If you're someone who prefers more understated styles, then these pumps may not be the best fit for you. However, if your wardrobe is full of statement pieces and you love to make a statement with your fashion choices, then these pumps will be a perfect match for your personal style.


Conclusion


Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps are undoubtedly luxurious and worth the price if you value high-quality materials and brand reputation. However, it's important to consider your personal style and priorities before investing in these pumps.


The brand's success can be attributed to its unique design, high-quality materials, exclusivity, and effective marketing strategy. These shoes have become a symbol of luxury, indulgence, and glamour in the fashion world.


Although they come with a hefty price tag, those who overpay for Christian Louboutin shoes know that they are investing in a piece of art that will last a lifetime. If you have never owned a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, you may want to try one and experience the feeling of luxury and exclusivity that comes with it.


With its durability and signature red sole, Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps are a fashion investment that can elevate any outfit. So, if you're someone who values luxury and wants to make a statement with your fashion choices, then these pumps are a must-have in your wardrobe.


Scorecard

TANNER APPROVED!

★★★★☆ - 4.21

Criteria

Score

Results

Leather

4.5

Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries

Hardware

4

Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while.

Design

4

A creative take on a classical design concept

Engineering

4

Clean and quality inner support materials and structure

Craftsmanship

4.5

Fair Value for quality with a brand premium: 5 to 6 x multiplier pricing.

OVERALL SCORE

4.21

Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try

PRICE / COST MULTIPLIER

5x

Fair Value for quality with a brand premium.


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