Shoe Review: Christian Louboutin
Posted by Misty McIntosh at 2009-02-09 15:53:48
 As a Project Manager for Sostre & Associates, I spend many hours behind the screen of my computer - sifting through hundreds of web pages per month, coordinating the start, continuation and completeion of projects, as well as time spent testing and launching new websites.
With all of those responsibilities, as well as those owed to my family and college, you would think that I hardly have time for myself, and you would be right. Most of the time spent on myself is converted to actual currency, and that currency is normally dished out to assist in the acquisition of gorgeous accessories. Hey, I'm a woman after all - and this woman adores shoes and handbags.
My taste in these items is very particular - especially in the previous two categories mentioned. I've spent years mulling over gorgeous additions to my evening wardrobe, and nobody mixes art with class like Christian Louboutin. For me, it's worth the $500+ per pair just to see that gorgeous box show up on my doorstep.
It's no surprise, then, that I became ecstatic the moment I realized that Mr. Louboutin was redesigning his website. I had instant images in my mind of what he would come up with. After all, it's Christian Louboutin! Surely he would channel his hip yet classy artistic talent into the website itself - I mean, for a man like Louboutin, a website is more than just a means of commerce; it's an art gallery! And this open invitation art gallery is available to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There was no doubt in my mind that it would be spectacular.
So, what happened?
Today, I realized that Louboutin had launched his new website. I could hardly wait to open it up, and when I did, I was heartbroken. Where's the style? Where's the class? At first glance, my techie brain ran rampant calculating all of the obvious errors which (to me) stood out like a lighthouse beacon:
- Pages are missing search engine optimization
- Entire site is Flash and cannot run on my iPhone
- Music is present but no sign of a mute button (for those of us on the job)
- Graphic intensive and difficult to load on slow connections
Aside from these technical issues, I also had a few user issues:
- The site is all over the place - I cannot find a focal point
- Contact us page is teal with hot pink cursive writing - I can barely read it
- There is no contact form, no FAQ, no sitemap
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- What is with the Press page and the fake heads pasted onto the bodies? Where is the useful information?
- I don't understand the "Louboutin Times" - it's just a big graphic with fake articles; I was expecting real news about his movements, releases and other information important to the followers of his art
- A link in the main navigation says "Special Projects" and yet there is no information; just a creepy photo
- The site is litered with distasteful cause & effect graphics that serve no point
- The page about Louboutin reminds me of a Star Wars episode with terrible scrolling verbiage
| The "Our Boutiques" section looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, and why is he announcing his "Countdown to New Winter Collection" on this page? Shouldn't it be under Press or News? The user would have no idea to look here...
 I saw a button in the upper right corner, labeled "Fit", that I thought was a link to more information on how the shoe fits your foot. When I clicked the button, I was given a full screen view of his site, much like the "full screen" view if you watch a video on YouTube. Disappointed, I had to ask myself, why is this necessary? Who needs a full screen view of this site in the first place? Is this a website or a video? What message is he trying to convey?
What's worse, and yes it does get worse, I found the pages which are meant to exhibit "The Collection" to be absolutelly horrible in design. Those gorgeous boxes, which are a gift in itself for the price you pay on these shoes, are shown in a beat-up, stock-room kind of way that reminded me of Payless Shoes after a BOGO sale. All around the shoes, I am reminded of Alice in Wonderland...and I'm left wondering exactly where Christian put his (normally very classy) taste in this project.
In conclusion, I am admittedly very disappointed and somewhat confused by the presentation I received on Christian Louboutin's "new and improved" website. I don't feel that his shoes are presented in a reputable, artistic and classy way. I used to link his shoes to my friends and family; right now I wouldn't dream of sending a link to this site back to my family. They would be utterly lost on the site, and I can't blame them in the least.
I've been a Louboutin shoe lover for as long as I can remember, but I've lost some faith in his product. I can't shake the feeling that his shoes might end up like the Starter brand did so many years ago: on the shelves of a discount department store.
By the way, I would have provided links to specific examples, but I can't because the entire site is in Flash - yet another technical downfall for the heap.
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