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    Now reading: How Louboutins are bringing heels beyond the binary

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    How Louboutins are bringing heels beyond the binary

    Peter Smith photographs Glaswegian queer goth band Walt Disco in the new glam rock heels from Christian Louboutin.

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    You’ve probably heard that high heels were actually originally designed for men. In truth, the platformed shoe — that historians aren’t quite sure when it first dates back to — has consistently crossed the boundaries of gender throughout the centuries across the world. But that fact hasn’t undermined the incredibly gendered societal norms of heels. What, or rather who, has been doing that are those ready to express themselves with garments that feel right for them – ignoring any labels, both literal or assumed, placed on a piece and then strutting out into the streets. It’s not a surprise that many of those most famed for dressing beyond the binary are rock stars. 

    If you’ve ever seen Walt Disco on stage, you will know the queer five-piece goth glam rock band have a distinct style, in that, they all have their own completely unique way of dressing and expressing themselves. What makes Walt Disco unique from the rock stars of the past playing with gender, though, is their eclecticness. From maxi dresses, to three-piece suits, to sometimes even wedding dresses, what unites the bandmates is not a signature colour or motif or accessory but a strong sense of confidence in whatever they’re wearing and a treatment of garments as boundaryless.

    Charlie of Walt Disco wearing leather trousers and white louboutin boots and holding a guitar

    “I love having a laugh and playing off the rest of the band because ultimately, if we are having fun then the audience is put at ease and they can enjoy themselves too.” That’s the energy you get from Walt Disco, a sense of freedom, fun and, as a result, the epitome of enviable coolness. And it is this energy they will no doubt bring performing at Christian Louboutin’s AW23 collection presentation and party at Paris Fashion Week this month.

    Is there a more famous pair of heels than those with a bottom in that signature shade of sultry red? The storied fashion house has been making strides to bring their beloved and highly coveted heels to all no matter their gender identity or fashion style. To showcase this, Walt Disco were each styled in outfits that represent them as individuals and their expression, and then given a pair of heels from Louboutin’s latest offering that will make its way to stores in July. All with a sharp arrowed point at the front, smart and dressy loafers, either in a 70s two-tone style or a more grungy chain across the front, are paired with bright silk tailoring or floral skirts and animal print jackets. Ankle boots – in white patent latent, black nappa leather and black leather covered in black strass – are paired with leather trousers or velvet undergarment-like leggings. The heels were a natural addition to each of their outfits, adding to the playfulness at the band’s heart whilst going with their own unique brands. 

    We spoke to the bandmates about how they felt wearing the iconic heels, how they express themselves so individually whilst in a band and what they love about their outfits. 

    Jack of Walt Disco wearing a two piece floral shirt and skirt combination, leopard print coat, white socks and loafer-style two-tone louboutin heels

    Jack

    How do you find ways to uniquely express yourself while performing when you’re part of a band?
    I find performing to be very freeing. When you really believe in the songs you’re playing it has a way of bringing something out of you. Our songs, and the feeling of playing them together, makes our confidence manifest in different ways. We all respond to each other in the moment.

    How do you use fashion to rebel against societal norms and binaries?
    I dress day-to-day how I want to project myself to the world based on how I’m feeling. This might not always align with some people’s tastes, there’s always going to be people who respect a challenge and people who don’t, but dressing how you like despite this and forcing people to see it is how you show you won’t be bullied into submission.

    Jocelyn of Walt Disco wearing a silk blue suit and pink gloves and tights and black leather loafer-style with silver chain on the front louboutin heels

    Jocelyn

    How would you describe your own personal style in three words?
    Glonky, wonky and raunchy.

    What impact do you think it has when long-established and classic fashion houses are creating outside of the binary? 
    I think it is so important, the more inclusive of all body shapes and fluid the fashion industry gets the better. Clothes don’t decide they are gendered, people do. 

    Can you talk us through what you were wearing during the shoot?
    A beautiful silky blue suit with a double breasted jacket and flared trousers, matching pink gloves and socks, and some stunning Louboutin loafers. Very slay.  

    Lewis of Walt Disco wearing a shirt, leather waistcoat and leather trousers and wearing black nappa leather louboutin heel boots while holding a guitar and sitting on a stool

    Lewis

    Can you talk us through what you were wearing during the shoot?
    Leather jeans, leather waistcoat and black Louboutin boots. I felt like I was channelling Patti Smith circa 1977.

    Did you enjoy wearing the Louboutins?
    They were the best heels I’ve ever worn. 

    Finlay of Walt Disco wearing baby pink velvet leggings, a leopard print bomber jacket and black sparkling boots with a keyboard

    Finlay

    How would you describe your own personal style in three words?
    Loud, Loud, Loud.

    How has Glasgow impacted your own style?
    Its rich musical and cultural history is incredibly inspiring. It’s a decadent, storied and exciting city and I find it really brings out my individualism.  

    How do you find ways to uniquely express yourself while performing when you’re part of a band?
    I find going on stage gives you an almost primal release. It can make you move in a way you may not normally move and give you the freedom to wear whatever you want.

    Charlie of Walt Disco wearing leather trousers, a zebra print top and leather jacket with white louboutin boot heels

    Charlie

    How do you feel about performing during Paris Fashion Week? 
    Playing for Christian Louboutin at Paris Fashion Week is a dream come true. It will be my first time in Paris. I want to make every second last. Somebody pinch me please, thank you.

    Can you talk us through what you were wearing during the shoot?
    For the shoot I’m feeling my queer biker fantasy. A beautiful studded leather jacket with matching leather trousers, heavy duty chains, huge shades and of course the beautiful white Louboutin heels.

    Did you enjoy wearing Louboutins?
    I never want to take them off. Catch me walking miles in them.

    Finlay of Walt Disco wearing baby pink leggings and sparkling black leather louboutin boots

    Credits


    Photography Peter Smith
    Styling Louis Prier Tisdall
    Makeup Siobhan Furlong at Iga Management
    Hair Claire Grech at Streeters
    Nails Teo Budimir
    Art Design Camilla Byles
    Models Walt Disco (Jocelyn, Charlie, Jake, Finlay and Lewis) 
    Photography assistance Olivier Barjolles and Hector Marshall
    Digital technician Marsy Hild
    DOP Olivier James Newman
    Styling assistance Nadia Dahan and Aliesha Vian
    Makeup assistance Riley Kate
    Hair assistance Charles Stanley and Kirsten Basset
    Art assistance Columba Williams
    Executive Creative Director Georgina Bacchus
    Production Kasia Williams and Amy Wilson
    Production assistance Kyara Simone
    Retouching Studio RM
    All shoes and beauty Christian Louboutin

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