By Simran Gill and Hannah De Haro
Louboutin pop up at Dover Street Market, By Simran Gill
Jaden Smith, the popular American rapper, and fashion icon made his surprising debut at the luxury fashion house Christian Louboutin in September of 2025, as Creative Director of Menswear. His credibility is built on a decade of gender-fluid style and his own brand ‘MSFTS,’ founded in 2012.
He begun by marketing his first footwear collection, which triggered major opinions within the fashion industry, raising questions of his connection to the industry, whether its was about his family name, or his genuine passion.
The streets of the heart of London, a major hub for the fashion industry, provided real-time insight of enthusiasts who had a lot to say about Smith’s new founded position.
Here is what Londoners had to say…
A local student and fashion enthusiast, Puran Montri, 24, was standing by Holloway Road station. He believes that Smith was “obviously a natural fit” due to his experience in the industry. He felt that he fits the brand aesthetic that Louboutin presents with their clothing and accessories.
On the other hand, local barista, 20-year-old Beth Brown, was sitting in a café and said that Smith was “a surprising choice” since she only knew of him due to his parents’ fame and his musical background.
Whilst Montri claimed that Smith’s debut as Creative Director was genuine and good marketing, Brown insisted that it was simply good marketing, and Smith was only chosen due to his status and popularity attached to his last name. This displays the trivial nature of this conversation, from online to in real life.
Unexpectedly, they both agreed that male luxury clothing needs more diversity and representation, especially at Christian Louboutin, which was presented by Smith’s debut and recent collection. Brown suggested that he was chosen as a face of the menswear line, “due to his appeal to a younger male audience”.
The lack of diversity in men’s luxury wear
This introduces the major conversation of a gap in the luxury fashion industry. Womenswear thrives in creativity and originality, ranging from simple gowns to intricately crafted co-ords. Whereas Menswear is reduced to the same typical suits and the same silhouettes reused time and time again.
Some claim that Smith’s sudden debut as Creative Director is breaking a boundary by presenting something refreshing and new. He has brought innovation and experience into this new position.
Argo Studios Menswear, LFW, By Simran Gill
After hearing these juxtaposing statements from Londoners on a busy day, it is safe is to say that the controversy continues among the public. So, the real question, is Jaden Smith just a ‘Nepo Baby’ or did his hard work pay off?
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