Christian Louboutin has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.
In recognition of his contribution to the fashion industry, the master of the red-sole was invited to the Fashion Institute of Technology to accept his award and deliver a commencement speech to the graduating class in New York.
FIT President Joyce Brown lauded the designer for his blend of artistic expression, coupled with the practical imperatives of business.
Speaking to the students, Louboutin stressed the importance of following their passions and living well, noting three key themes: the power of friendship, the freedom to pursue all options and the significance of leaving doors open.
I started my company at the end of 1991, which was probably the worst time. It was the end of the Gulf War, the economy worldwide was a disaster, it was really super stupid to start a business at that time, he said.
But I thought if you have to listen to something, it should be your inner timing and not the timing of the world, as there is never very good timing.
