The Animal Ball

Christian Louboutin created a mask inspired by his favourite animal, the endangered Madagascan Lemur. Since his youth, Christian Louboutin has always been drawn to this highly intelligent, social mammal. The lemur’s distinctive black and white colouring is recreated for Christian Louboutin’s mask, with soft leather forming the face and playful feathered and raffia embellishments for its distinctive tufted ears. Luxurious crystal and details in silver and black strass define the eyes and nose.  

Growing up, travelling the world and seeing lots of wonderful different places and animals, the artist wanted to make to make sure they are there for the next generation. The Douc Langur is a beautiful species which needs to be protected and served as inspiration for this mask. Having seen them with their own eyes, the artist wanted to capture them and help them not ever disappear.

The mask has been made by hand using age-old Indian artisanal techniques, as a collaboration be-tween the artists from the Sabyasachi Art Foundation and the master craftspeople of Bengal. The mask is made in homage to the majestic Bengal tiger that is indigenous to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans in Bengal. Made with the house classic animal print and signature hand embroidery technique called Aakash-Tara that translates to ‘the stars in the sky’. The print is hand drawn and meticulously layered with hand cut metal sequins by the atelier’s master artisans.