作者: Newsroom

He was only 12 years old when, at home in Paris, where he lived with his mother and three sisters, Christian Louboutin started designing women’s shoes, as he was intrigued by the female universe and by the power of a pair of stilettos. But the real life-changing moment was when he started working as an intern at Folies Bergères: observing the legs of the dancers, he realized that shoes can change the way a woman walks and moves. So he called Hélène de Mortemart, Christian Dior’s Fashion Director, to show her his sketches, and she helped him find an internship. «The smell of glue was enough to make me understand that this was my greatest passion» he loves to say. Then he worked few months with celebrated designer Roger Vivier, where he learned how to create a magical symbiosis between design and craftsmanship. He was now ready to step onto the big stage.

When Christian Louboutin opened his first boutique, he was less than 30 years old, and it quickly became a reference, thanks to Caroline de Monaco who was one of his early clients. But there was still something missing. He found it by chance: while he was working on a new collection inspired by Pop Art, he noticed the red lacquer color on his assistant’s nails. The rest is history: he asked her to lend him her nail polish and used it to paint the entire sole. His first “signature” mark was born. That extra edge that turns his shoes into a highly recognizable object of desire, into the symbol of a strong and independent woman who, walking in her stilettos, leaves her indelible red mark on the streets. Today, Louboutin shoes are cult objects exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  His most celebrated creations include the Kate and So Kate stilettos designed in honor of his dear friend Kate Moss, and the made-to-measure pieces designed for Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” and for Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance”.

Over his long career, Christian Louboutin has never lost his curiosity and joie de vivre, travelling all over the world and working with artisans from countries such as Bhutan, Senegal and Mexico, as well as with artists, singers and, above all, celebrated designers. He designed shoes for the shows of some of the biggest names in fashion, like Jean Paul Gautier, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, combining his unparalleled artisanal skills with a clear aesthetic vision. That’s the key to his success, the reason why “Louboutin shoes” are seen strutting down red carpets worldwide, worn by international celebrities.  Not only women, however, as, since 2009, there is also a men’s line and, lately, a kid’s one. These new projects speak the same language, adding on to the leather goods and accessories collections and the recently launched beauty line that, needless to say, also includes a nail polish. Obviously red.

It has been signed by 20,000 companies and 2,500 non-commercial signatories from over 167 countries around the world, including 500 in Italy. And among the companies, from today, there is also Marcolin. We are referring to the “United Nations Global Compact”, the largest corporate citizenship initiative, started in 2000 with a proposal by former United Nations Secretary Kofi Annan during the work of the World Economic Forum in Davos in 1999. The objective? Combat the critical aspects of globalization, from child labor to gender discrimination to air, water and land pollution. And promote a sustainable global economy, respectful of human and labor rights, environmental protection and the fight against corruption. For the first time in history, the commitment to align the objectives of the international community with those of the business world was established.

For the Longarone-based Group, this is a further step on the path towards concrete and tangible sustainability, based on a business process strategy that relies on three pillars: environment, people and supply chain. By adhering to the Global Compact, Marcolin is committed to sharing, supporting and applying the ten principles considered fundamental within its sphere of influence. These principles are those universally shared and derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ILO Declaration (labor), the Rio Declaration (environment and development) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

Almost 25 years after the establishment of the Global Compact (at the first summit attended by only 500 representatives of national governments, trade unions and UN agencies) it has become even more evident that this is the right direction. Because it is only by joining forces that every company can truly impact and contribute to building a more sustainable tomorrow, from all points of view, for present and future generations. And because achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations is in everyone’s interest.

The new models of the Mercedes-Benz Collection represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship – an exclusive blend of the sensual design language of Mercedes-Benz and the eyewear brand innovative, screwless premium design. Each model testifies to ic! berlin shared commitment to the highest quality and aesthetic perfection. A must-have for anyone who is drawn to the puristic yet elegant design of ic! berlin as well as the timeless aesthetics of Mercedes-Benz, and ideal for those who want to make a statement.

All four new models are inspired by the design language of Mercedes-Benz vehicles: pure lines, flowing shapes, and premium materials. The color palette is subtle and elegant, with accents from the iconic vehicle colours of Mercedes-Benz. Warm hues like bronze and cooler metallic shades such as pearl dominate the collection. The two prescription glasses are inspired by powerfully flowing contours that mirror the design of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, impressing with their lightness and wearing comfort. The sunglasses combine timeless design with a nod to the seventies, accentuated with sophisticated details.

Transparent or colorful, rounded or squared, the shield design that was so popular in the early 2000s makes a huge comeback this year. Obviously with a revisited shape: a little less wraparound, smaller in size and enriched with new contrasting metal details. An eyewear shape that immediately recalls the world of sports, but this summer the technical and functional aspect has been decontextualized and shield sunglasses are worn everywhere: on the beach, for traveling or for visiting art cities. They’re the latest go-to accessory for a colorful evening beach party.

The Eighties are a “Golden Age” to draw from instinctively at times of economic and climatic uncertainty like the present ones. In eyewear, this trend was interpreted with a remake of the creepy, horror style that is closely associated with the music and film culture of the decade, and with the comeback of the color red in all its shades, but we’re talking about a trend for the upcoming winter season. These months, instead, on the color front we’re seeing the return of purple, lilac and iridescent tones, much loved by the younger generations who – for their eyewear and sneakers alike – choose artificial, metallic, pearled and neon hues. Another trend that borrows from the 2000s, when gold and silver were ever so popular.

Adults continue to prefer more natural hues, like nude, and pay great attention to design and decorative details. But something has changed here too: style is becoming more genderless, for example oval shapes are worn by both men and women. It’s the evolution of a trend that started a few years ago, when young women started wearing their husband’s or boyfriend’s jackets, shirts and denims. Today we’ve gone from apparel to accessories, but the news is that men have also “contaminated” their looks. It’s the new trend. Like trap rappers, with their oval wraparound sunglasses verging on cat-eye that some time ago would have been considered as “women’s” frames but that today everybody loves. Without distinction.

The Custom Fit Collection 24 by ic! berlin not only offers a comfortable and effortless fit, but also celebrates the unique beauty found in every face. All details have been carefully thought out to create a harmonious connection between cultural references in the design language and contemporary aesthetics. Whether you’re sipping coffee in one of the charming cafés in Berlin-Mitte or strolling around Museum Island – everyone will find their match in one of the four new models from the Custom Fit collection. The two silk models Kayoko and Yuri are designed for the modern person who appreciates minimalism and lightness. The perfect fit and comfort for a day in Berlin are guaranteed. The two classic models Ling and Muyan are designed for purists who prefer unique, discreet glasses and see the world through their own eyes.

The model Jun Lai, who lives in Hamburg and is originally from Taiwan, spent a day with ic! berlin and explored the city from his perspective. These frames interpret historical, Asian design in a modern way. As a model, Jun knows that modern minds rightly have their own individual style and aesthetics. He chose 4 models for his day in Berlin, which stand out due to their classic and stylish colour combinations. The collection features monochrome frames in Black, Pearl, and Teak, as well as versions with coloured accents on the top line: White with Rose Gold, Dove Blue with Fashion Silver, and Mauve with Graphite.

All Custom Fit models have features specially developed and designed for the Asian market. The Custom Fit collection has wider silicone nose pads, versatile adjustable nose pad arms, and a flatter inclination of the eyeglass front.