But more especially, Christian Louboutin, a celebration of 20 years of the brand, is a substantial art publication that, page by page, opens up the world of this extraordinary shoe designer.
In an extensive interview with Eric Reinhardt, Louboutin's words portray a life that has, from its beginnings as a little boy growing up in Paris in the cradle of a loving family, breached the boundaries of the everyday.
From his time at school, where as a constant high-achiever he had to "work hard" to reach the bottom of his class and stay there, he walked a different path. Different, but one he deftly navigated, and which included time with Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent towards a career that has carried him to the top and where, this time, he is happy to remain.
The book covers the life of this remarkable man, who is lauded as today's most important designer of luxury shoes. It covers early influences, people, places and his inspirations. It features his boutiques around the world, with their opulent decor, and the spectacular interiors of his homes in Paris and Luxor. It shows his studios and workshops.
His beautiful, often dizzyingly high, red-soled creations are shown worn on the red carpets of the world by the rich and famous. They are also featured in a series of stunning still-life, full-page photographs by Philippe Garcia, that cover his creativity over 20 years.
A collaboration with photographer David Lynch produced the "Fetish" series, which makes up a separate chapter. And, fittingly, the final chapter is devoted to a complete catalogue, with photographs of 120 designs.
This is a splendid book in size, presentation and content. Footwear and fashion devotees will salivate.
But it is also worthy as a collector's item or as a gift for anyone with a fascination for beautiful things.
- Jude Hathaway is an Otago Daily Times features and fashion writer.
