My favourite things: Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin's red-soled creations have made him one of the world's most famous shoe designers. With his fall/winter 2017 collection in stores now, we ask the colourful Frenchman about some of his most treasured possessions, memories and experiences

Portrait of designer Christian Louboutin

I love many cities but Havana may be my favourite. The architecture is beautiful and there are no billboards, no publicity, so it's very relaxing. It's by the sea, which is always gives a lot of charm to a city.

When I think about my favourite meal, the first thing I think about is my mother's stuffed tomatoes. It reminds me of my childhood and I've never found better stuffed tomatoes than my mother's, of course.

My passport is my most treasured possession.  A European passport allows you to go everywhere and it's a sign of freedom. I know how much freedom counts and how different life is without a passport.

My go-to grooming product is a cologne called 4711. Its a German eau de cologne by Maurer & Wirtz that has been produced for more than 200 years.

The last book I really enjoyed was Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. It is a fascinating book.

When it comes to travel, all my journeys on the Nile have been the image of perfection for me.

If I had to name the favourite thing in my wardrobe, it would probably be my Lacoste polo shirts. It's the one item I have had since I was 5 or 6 years old.

The best part of my job is the unveiling moment where my designs become reality - from sketch to prototype.

I don't really consider myself as a collector. The only thing I collect a bit are houses. I consider it more an addiction than a habit.

My father was a man of few words but the best advice he gave me is that all wood has a grain. He would say: 'You always have to follow the grain of the wood. You must never go against the grain because that tears the vein of the wood. And that makes for bad sculptures.' I think it's an essential piece of advice. You have to go with the grain of people and life. Life has a particular flow and if you go against the flow it will tear.

The best part of the day is the morning. The pace and sounds are different in the morning.

For me the best treat is a foot and head massage.

What is life's greatest luxury? Freedom, of course.