Christian Louboutin unveils a Flamenco-themed capsule collection, in collaboration with Rossy de Palma

Scattered around Andalusia are dimly lit tablaos—scantily furnished black boxes that come alive at dusk with the bewitching rhythms and insistent beats of Flamenco. That arch and ancient Spanish art form is the latest inspiration for Christian Louboutin’s annual limited-edition cabas offering, designed in collaboration with Mr Louboutin’s long-time muse and friend, actress Rossy de Palma. Titled ‘Flamencaba’, its name is a portmanteau of Flamenco and Caba, meaning simply a woman’s handbag. 

The pièce de résistance of the collection is the ‘Flamencaba Small’ tote, a capacious black cotton bag whose gently rounded form recalls that of a wicker basket. Against the dark canvas, two figures—in the likeness of de Palma and Louboutin—are engaged in an exquisite dance of passion. She swishes her skirt, he parries with an elegant raise of the knee, arms curved at the back. She dazzles in the livery of the bailaora, a crimson dress that overflows, its red skirt unspooling and unfurling across the length of the bag—like the red, rushing river of life. It is an evocative and urgent motif and its tactile irruption recalls the vintage fabric-embellished postcards so typical of Spain. In another nod to the twirling forms of Flamenco, a sequin studded Louboutin embroidery winds its way around the body of the bag. And because opulence is its agenda, on the base of the handles, Caraspikes become gold-toned Sevillana spikes, inspired by Seville’s architectural heritage. 

De Palma is passionate about Flamenco; in an exclusive interview with Vogue, she says,“Flamenco is the joy of living, but with a dramatic and melancholic spirit.” She adds: “Flamenco is not only Spanish or Andalusian, it’s a universal art and I wanted to pay tribute to it.”

The capsule features other Flamenco appurtenances like a selection of men’s and women’s shoes—including some pulse-quickening stilettos—and a lacy fan imprinted with Andalusian flavour. They feature intricate embroidery, frills and deep, sumptuous hues. 

Launching in Singapore on 30 May, the brand has committed to donating part of the profits from the Flamencaba capsule to Centro Coreografico Maria Page, an organisation that aims to promote dance and Spain’s cultural heritage as a model of social and civic commitment for the benefit of children, adolescents, genders and vulnerable groups.