Shoe Deja Vu: Louboutin’s Spiked Clou Noeud
posted by: brianka in Christian Louboutin Shoes, Designer Shoe Déja Vu, Endless, General, Heels.com, Platforms, Sandals, Slingbacks, spring 2010 shoes, Spring 2011 Shoes on September 9th, 2011
You may remember Louboutin’s Clou Noeud with the girly bow on the toe & the all-over spikes….If not, here’s another peek:
Christian Louboutin Clou Noeud (sold out) , original retail $1195
Well, since these have been out for over a year, I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that mainstream imitations are available at lower-end prices.
NYLA has produced the ‘Genevieve’. With a rocker-front platform and a 5-inch heel height, these are pretty close to the Louboutin originals. They do, however, have a fully rounded heel that is a touch different than the Louboutin’s. The studs are also larger and more spaced out.
The NYLA Genevieve is $105 via Endless.com, $109.99 via Heels.com and $115 via NYLA.com
(Nordstrom does appear to have at least one size 6.5 of these)
So, I recently had the chance to see the ‘nude’ NYLA’s in person. If by nude, they meant to say, “that particular orangy-peach color of both untanned leather and silly putty”, then sure, we’ll call it nude. But to the rest of the world, ‘peach’ would have been more informative. With that, the orange tones of the patent don’t quite work for me with the silver studs. So, of these, I think I like the red the best. It’s still got a bit of attitude, but is a touch less knock-offy than the black version.
Also in the running are the Fredericks of Hollywood ‘Artillery’ slingbacks; these are only available in black with silver studs.
Fredericks of Hollywood ‘Artillery’ slingback pump $94 (On sale for $79.99)
While both of these companies are obviously sourcing from the Louboutin Clou Noeud, I definitely prefer the look of the original Louboutins. While I’m still not certain about this much hardware on my shoes, the smaller spike on the Louboutin’s make the entire silhouette that touch more refined than the imitators have managed using larger (perhaps more easily available?) hardware choices.
Now I’m thinking that I’d love to see Louboutin do a spiked pump in an off-white leather with gold spikes…subdued, but with just a hint of rule-breaking attitude.
It’s fashion week why not dream?
