Christian Louboutin’s latest collaboration will give you more FOMO than holiday photos from Greece

The French designer has teamed up with Greek artist and illustrator Konstantin Kakanias for a collection of artisanal bags and footwear

Christian Louboutin needs no introduction. In fact, the only reminder is a flash of red soles, for nothing is as iconic as red-lacquered soles against a shiny pair of black heels that have now become a signature of the luxury designer.

While a celebrity fan following is always a boon, when it comes to creating new collections every season, Louboutin seeks endless inspiration from his travels, whether it’s traversing across Egypt or India. This time around, he landed in Greece and has joined hands with Greek artist, illustrator and his dear friend Konstantin Kakanias for a collection that’s not just fun but also serves as a tribute to the cultural and artisanal heritage of the Mediterranean. Playing tour guide to the designer are Miss Tependris and her faithful poodle Pepe, both of whom happen to be Kakanias’ fictional creations.

The Established asked Louboutin and Kakanias to shed some light on their long friendship and the inspiration behind the collaborative collection called ‘Greekaba’.

Your travels have led you to some unique places. This time around, what was your ‘aha’ moment that led to creating the ‘Greekaba’ collection?

Christian Louboutin: Every time I had been highlighting a country and some of its artistic characteristics, I realised that it gave a lot of pride to people who are engaged in the process of sharing. The ability to highlight other people’s work, and giving back are the pillars of my sense of collaboration. The ‘Greekaba’ collection is an example of what I mean. Besides, who could doubt that Greek culture, civilisation, handicrafts, artisanship and landscape has always been–and will forever be–inspiring to anyone who has eyes to look and ears to listen.

Konstantin Kakanias: The inspiration for the collection is the friendship I have had with Christian for 35 years. Within the designs I sent him, I included a letter of love addressed to him–that is printed and used in the collection. But the collection is also based on an imaginary summer trip of Miss Tependris with Christian Louboutin in Greece. Together they admire ancient Greek pottery and 17th century Dodecanese embroideries, they swim in Paros and go on the boat to Patmos. All the designs are inspired by Greek culture.

How did your friendship lead to this fun collaboration?

Christian Louboutin: Among preconceived ideas, there is one which says you shouldn’t be working with friends if you want to keep your friendship going. I completely disagree with this. Working with friends on the right projects reinforces the friendship as you share quality time together, driven by the fact that work is perhaps a perfect excuse to spend time with people you love. Collaborations, for me, are always about mutual respect, real personal connections and friendship. On that matter, collaborating with Konstantin, a great artist, a generous collaborator and a wonderful friend made that project une partie de plaisir, as we say in French.

Konstantin Kakanias: When Christian wanted to work on this collection, he, of course, thought of me and Miss Tependris. Since we have been friends for a long time, I will always do anything, well, almost anything, that Christian asks.

There are two very distinct styles within this collection, from earthy browns and reds to tropical blues and whites. Can you elaborate on what these two aspects of the collection mean and why you decided to differentiate them?

Christian Louboutin: The ‘Greekaba’ is the centrepiece of the collection which includes men’s and women’s shoes and accessories, inspired by the land and sea and reprising the Cabas’ details. The Caba initiative is a way to support local communities and to highlight the work and commitment of the people who are part of these communities. It’s also a way to support the younger generation through education, using art as a means to express themselves. As with every previous Cabas, a percentage of the Greekaba proceeds will be donated to an association.

Konstantin Kakanias: Greece is a country comprising 3,000 islands and is surrounded by the sea, and hence we had to take this into consideration. In a way, the designs that are inspired by the ancient pottery represent the earth and the ones inspired by the embroidery of the Dodecanese islands represent water. I wanted this small capsule collection to be like a trip through almost 3,000 years of Greek culture, particularly design. I thought it would be interesting to jump from period to period, all united under the great Greek civilisation. So, while some parts of the collection are inspired by early geometric-style Greek pottery, some others take inspiration from Dodecanese 17th-century embroideries.

This collection has so many elements of humour. What meaning does it hold for you?

Christian Louboutin: Now, more than ever, the place for humour is vital. We are living in such a strange world that if you don’t have humour, I don’t see how anyone can survive. Humour is the best medicine out there, and how would I imagine working with my dear Konstantin if it was not for the obvious opportunity to be sure to have some great laughter sessions.

Konstantin Kakanias: The timing of this collection is incredibly important. Right after a long lockdown, the collection is a celebration of freedom. This difficult period pushed me to create drawings that made one dream of the Greek summer and the rich history of the country.

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