His jewelled, scarlet-soled shoes are prized and coveted by women all over the world. The French designer began his career at the Folies Bergères, after having sold his first designs to a Parisian dance school at age 16. He is said to have been inspired by a pair of shoes that was used for the coronation of the Shah of Persia, and by Marlene Dietrich's diamond neckline. Jennifer Lopez dedicated her single "Louboutins" to him, using the brand as a metaphor for girl power.