Fashion

Guess Who Spoke at FIT Graduation?

by Tyler Atwood

If you're looking for yet another reason to be jealous of Fashion Institute of Technology grads aside from their enviable alma mater, try this one on for size: Christian Louboutin, legendary designer of the oh-so-beautiful red-soled heels, spoke at the school's graduation ceremony. Louboutin was joined by cosmetics genius Bobbi Brown in sending the class of 2014 off with some very sage advice. Read on for the top five takeaways from Louboutin's speech, and prepare to be surprised.

1. RULES? WHAT RULES?

From the man who revolutionized shoe design by first painting soles with his assistant's red nail polish, one can expect a bit of contrarianism. But after citing a number of rules he heard as a young a young professional, Louboutin told grads to break them, stating “Freedom is different for everyone…. It’s freedom of creativity.”

2. DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE IDEA OF A PREDETERMINED CAREER

Louboutin famously meandered from job to job in his early professional years, following positions that intrigued him, and the designer encouraged FIT grads to do the same. Louboutin insisted that grads "have to listen to your own inner timing, not the timing of the world", instead of blindly following a route set forth for them by others.

3. WORK WITH FRIENDS

Though Louboutin cautioned that his superiors explicitly eschewed the notion of working with friends, Louboutin himself chose the opposite, and has reaped the rewards of working with colleagues he admires and trusts. Louboutin explained to his riveted crowd, “Everyone told me never to do business with friends. Well, I started my company with my two best friends and 23 years later, we are still the three best friends".

4. IT'S ABOUT THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION

It may seem trite to tout the old adage that life is about the journey, not the destination, but Louboutin rightfully maintained that the axiom is true. Louboutin may not have created the same whimsical designs if it hadn't been for his many travels and odd jobs, and so the designer told his audience, "Enjoy the process of every day. An achievement is not just one day — it is a sum of all moments."

5. WEAR FABULOUS SHOES TO SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Perhaps Mr. Louboutin's most valuable bit of wisdom came from the designer's golden slippers, which he had designed himself. Louboutin reported to Women's Wear Daily, "I’ve been trying to figure out a shoe to go with this dress. I wanted something gold because it’s good luck.” Indeed, what festive occasion isn't made more exceptional with the addition of some gorgeous kicks?

Images: fandomania.com, Tumblr