Condition:
Good vintage condition with light scratches on the leather sides and gentle wear to the red soles. Clean interior and strong structure throughout. From the wardrobe of Doreen, a former ambassador known for exceptional personal style.
Key Features:
- Material: Genuine leather with exotic snakeskin panels
- Colour: Black leather with plum-toned snakeskin
- Design:
- Square toe with layered snakeskin vamp
- Chunky late-1990s block heel
- Early Louboutin red-lacquered sole
- Gold stamped “Christian Louboutin Paris” interior logo
- Style: Late 1990s–Y2K Parisian design / sculptural loafer heel
- Brand: Christian Louboutin
Background of the Brand/Fabric/Style/Era:
Christian Louboutin, founded in Paris in 1991, quickly became one of the world’s leading luxury footwear houses. The now-famous red sole—introduced in 1993—defined the brand’s visual identity. These Christian Louboutin vintage loafer heels date to the late 1990s to early 2000s, a period when the designer experimented with bold silhouettes and exotic materials. The angular block heel, structured loafer shape, and snakeskin overlay represent the architectural, statement-driven style of the Y2K era and appeal strongly to collectors of early Louboutin craftsmanship.
Provenance – Doreen Willis Bailey:
This pair comes from the wardrobe of Doreen Willis Bailey, a Canadian-born TWA hostess in the 1940s–50s who later worked with the American government promoting international travel in the UK. Acclaimed for her cosmopolitan lifestyle, impeccable taste, and memorable encounters—including serving JFK and meeting the Queen and Princess Diana—her wardrobe reflects a century of elegance and global sophistication.
Size Information:
- Label size: EU 40 / UK 7
- Heel height: 8 cm
Materials:
Genuine leather upper with snakeskin panels
Leather lining
Red lacquered leather sole
Care Instructions:
Avoid moisture exposure on exotic leather. Store with shoe shapers to maintain structure. Clean gently with a soft cloth. Sole protection is best handled by a professional cobbler.
Visit Us or Shop Online
Order online with worldwide delivery, or visit us in-store at Gong Nong Bing Vintage,
68 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BB, to try on and collect your items (£1 admin fee applies).
UK delivery: £4 on orders under £100, free over £100.
International delivery: Calculated at checkout
Explore More
Want to discover more pieces from Doreen’s Wardrobe? Browse here or explore our vintage accessory collection.
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