Meet Your New Best Friend
Christian Louboutin’s new Ancient Egypt-inspired Elisa is the ultra-chic, wear-everywhere bag you need
If Christian Louboutin is inextricably linked in your mind with ultra-glamorous heels, then it’s not really surprising. In the nearly three decades since the designer launched his eponymous label, his shoes – with their instantly recognisable flash of bright red streaking across their soles – have become truly iconic, and worn by everyone from Hollywood A-listers and supermodels to politicians and royalty; Blake Lively, the Duchess of Cambridge and Gigi Hadid are all loyal customers.
Discerning fashion fans know, though, that the label’s handbags are as stylish and covetable as its footwear. Drawing on the same irresistible blend of timeless Parisian elegance and impeccable Italian craftsmanship, everything from the embellished clutches to carry-all totes are as joy-filled as they are fashion-forward. And now there’s a new addition to the line-up: the Elisa.
It’s inspired by Louboutin’s long-time obsession with Ancient Egypt. Ever since his childhood, the pyramids, Nefertiti and hieroglyphics have captured the designer’s imagination, and now he has channelled the theme into every detail of the coveted new shape: the talismanic twisted gold clasp is a riff on the shape of the pharaoh’s cartouche (that’s a hieroglyphic symbol for royalty, for those of you who have forgotten your history lessons), the structured shape of the bag mirrors the Amun temple in Luxor, and the CL logo has been given a hieroglyphic-inspired reimagining.
What you really need to know, though, is that the bag not only looks good but is designed to fit seamlessly into your day-to-day life – Louboutin has long mastered the knack of injecting functionality into his fabulous pieces to ensure they’re genuinely useful. It’s one of the things that has made the label so enduringly popular with stylish, busy women around the world. Case in point: the Elisa bag is named after his muse, Elisa Sednaoui Dellal, who, as a model, mother, film director and philanthropist, knows a thing or two about a multifaceted life. So, the sides of the bag are cut with accordion pleats, all the better to accommodate all your essentials, and the chain-handle strap has a leather shoulder pad to make it as comfortable as it is chic.
The Elisa has been whipped up in a range of finishes: everything from paintbox shades of pink and red and classic, wear-forever grays and blacks to ultra-luxe snake and embossed leather, so whatever your sartorial inclinations, you can cherry-pick your favorite and take it with you from work to evenings out and beyond. But no matter which you choose, you and Elisa are set to be friends forever.