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Lyme disease Red bottom International Shoe Day Christian Louboutin Louboutins

Source: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / Getty

Red bottoms are a sign of luxury– but red shoes can be a symbol of Lyme disease solidarity.

International Red Shoe Day, celebrated July 25, remembers late Australian Lyme disease patient Theda Myint and all those who’ve passed away from the disorder and similar illnesses, according to National Today. The holiday was created by Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton, founders of the Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organization, and Myint’s friends.

“The ‘red shoe’ was chosen as the symbol for the day because of Myint’s fondness for red shoes and how they are an integral part of her identity and fight,” the source noted. People wear red shoes on International Red Shoe Day to commemorate the deceased and spread awareness about Lyme and other “invisible” illnesses that often affect people who appear physically healthy but are not.

While the day is usually celebrated with red-based shoes, many are more familiar with “red bottoms,” aka Christian Louboutins.

The iconic and versatile shoes — designed by Christian Louboutin — have been dressed up and dressed down by countless celebrities.

In honor of International Red Shoe Day, scroll through a few bomb-AF red bottom looks from our favorite celebrities. 

Tracee Ellis Ross

Ross wore red bottom satin red shoes to the 2022 Academy Awards. The actress’ matching-colored Carolina Herrera gown made her Oscars look a bold and striking monochromatic ensemble.

Nicki Minaj

Minaj posted photo snapshots in stunning and unique multicolored red bottoms in March.

The 6-inch, open-toed sandal heels were sky-high and super sexy. The peachy orange base was accented with PVC, iridescent-colored flowers on top of each foot. The shoe’s decor added pops of pink, blue, purple and yellow depending on the lighting it’s worn in.

The Alyah Iridescent Flower Red Sole Sandals also had thin ropes to wrap around the ankles for extra stability and style.

 

Lori Harvey

Harvey donned a chic pair of “Hot Chick” Louboutin pumps to the 5th annual Wearable Art Gala in October 2022. The skincare brand founder’s glossy-finish, lavender heels made her look like an ethereal, monochromatic dream.

Harvey paired her shoes for the Harlem Nights-inspired event with a custom gown by Senegalese-French fashion designer Ibrahima Gueye.

 

Cardi B

The “Money” rapper sported yellow Louboutins with red bottoms in a promotional post for her McDonald’s collaboration merchandise earlier this year. The extremely high platform stilettos were on-brand and perfect for the post since Cardi nailed the fast-food chain’s signature colors.

The rapper’s career hit mainstream success with her hit “Bodak Yellow,” wherein she referred to the luxury footwear brand’s red bottoms as “bloody shoes.”

At Paris Fashion Week in 2017, Christian Louboutin acknowledged Cardi’s shoutout. The French designer highlighted that the original inspiration for Louboutins came from women like Cardi — a former exotic dancer. 

“The first shoes I ever designed were for showgirls, people on stage,” Louboutin told The New York Times. “Showgirls have a kind of attitude. They’re driving forces.”

 

Kerry Washington is a red-bottom fiend when it comes to her red carpet footwear. 

Styled by Law Roach, the actress wore classic black pumps, tights, and a stunning Elie Saab gown to the 2022 Emmys in September. The look was one of the many instances that the star has rocked Louboutins on the red carpet. 

In 2015, Washington honored Christian Louboutin with Shoe Designer of the Year award at the Daily Front Row’s first annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

The actress explained that the designer’s label was an integral part of how she embodied “red-carpet Kerry.”

“I discovered [Christian Louboutin] at a time when I was looking for a character that was much more personal. It was a time when I was learning about fashion, and I had relied on a lot of friends to teach me about red carpets because I knew that this was an important part of what I do.”

“And so I began an education in fashion, searching for red-carpet Kerry… And when I slipped on my first red sole, I knew who I was in this world. I knew how to be bigger than myself and yet still myself. And that’s what [Christian Louboutin] shoes do. They elevate who we are inside and out. They make us taller as women in our hearts and in our closets, and we are forever grateful. That red sole is so perfect because it represents blood and love and fire and passion.”