Jaden Smith was named menswear creative director of Christian Louboutin last year. I get it, but with reservations. He is stylish, no doubt, but personal style doesn’t necessarily translate to being able to design for and style others so there was a lot of interest in Jaden’s first collection and, subsequently, how it would be received.

He was in Paris for the presentation and the Christian Louboutin signature red is the reason why his face is red like this, it’s been his whole look for months.

Good fashion and business decision or just a stunt? The internet has been critical but then again, it’s not like Pharrell had that much formal training before he became menswear creative director for Louis Vuitton and it’s now been three years. As Jaden told Vogue, “sometimes because people who don’t have a formal training don’t understand the rules, they paint outside of the box in weird ways. Because they don’t know where the boxes are.”

Sure, but it will come down to the shoes. Does Jaden Smith do a good shoe? There are some wearable pieces in the capsule but they’re being overshadowed by this:

I’m sure there will be an artist, probably a musician, who will show up somewhere in these muppets on their feet. But it feels like a cheat. Because so many other brands have done this, including Balenciaga, Gucci, Jacquemus, and Rick Owens, three years ago. I don’t like these either but they’re cooler than Jaden’s and you can’t tell me they weren’t the inspiration.

The Rick Owns DRKSHDW sneaker would also be an ancestor to Jaden’s Chewbacca/ Big Bird/Elmo/Cookie Monster shoe baby. Not that impressed.

What else happened today…

Speaking of fashion and a real designer, the Fug Girls remember Valentino Garavani’s final collection. (Go Fug Yourself)

Tracy Morgan doesn’t have to say anything, he just has to show up and I’ll feel a laugh bubbling up because I can always hear his voice, his delivery. This is why it was so funny when Eddie Murphy played him during the SNL 50 anniversary special. Tracy + Daniel Radcliffe? I’m in. (Pajiba)

The latest Game of Thrones spinoff is upon us and to celebrate, The Ringer is ranking pop culture knights. I love that they included Heath Ledger in A Knight’s Tale because I love that movie so much. (The Ringer)

Matthew McConaughey is trademarking his catchphrase. (Celebitchy)

François Arnaud was on WWHL and here’s a recap of all the tea he spilled…or didn’t. (OUT.com)

Jaden Smith arrives at his first fashion show ahead of debut collection reveal in Paris on January 20, 2026
Photo credits: Best Image / BACKGRID

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