Article 4: Le Rituel

"Stiletto designer Christian Louboutin has teamed up with champagne brand Piper-Heidsieck to create a luxurious holiday package, comprising a bottle of champagne and a crystal heel from which to drink it.
Inspired by a Russian 'ritual' after ballet performances, where the bubbly-filled slipper of the prima ballerina was raised to a toast by her admirers -- a ritual that was adopted in an even more frivolous way in Parisian cabarets during the Belle Epoque period -- the crystal stiletto comes with a translucent sole and heel, saturated with Louboutin's signature red.
The designer is currently on a promotional tour for the package and has directed a mini-movie that plays on the Cinderella theme, with actors Elisa Sednaoui and Rossif Sutherland playing a couple falling in love and having to part at midnight. Just as in the fairy tale, he finds the crystal shoe she lost hurrying down the steps, and holds on to it as the only memory of the evening.
Le Rituel, as the collaboration is called, will be available from December 1, retailing for $500 at Neiman Marcus in the US or €350 at European stores such as Colette in Paris or Selfridge's in the UK. It will also be available at select Asian stores -- more details can be found online. "
Site: le-rituel.com

Publication: The Independent
Article: A champagne flute in shape of a heel? Louboutin must be over the recession
© 2009 Independent News and Media

Commentary by Kesandra:

After reading about this fantastic collaboration between Louboutin and Piper-Heidsieck, there were two thoughts that came to mind. Thought Number 1: Does that champagne glass come in a size 6?? And Thought Number 2: Man!! I sure do wish I were 21 and had an extra $500! I think this idea is amazingly brilliant. It's a win-win for both brands. First of all, you have Piper-Heidsieck, who is one of the oldest and most prestigious houses in Champagne. Then, you pair it with Louboutin who, although fairly new to the fashion scene, has built quite an image among the Avant-garde and "A"-listers around the world. As you can see, they both have a lot to offer in this scenario.
But not only that, I think the whole storyline behind it is absolutely magical. It's just so romantic! Oh how I'd LOVE to serve this beverage and all it's glory at my wedding! Please watch the video I've posted below. Le Rituel "bubbles" with personality and I have a feeling December 1st will be a day many will remember years and years from now.