Christian Louboutin
Entrepreneur
French fashion designer best known for his signature red-soled shoes. His shoe designs alone have generated up to $300,000,000 in annual revenue. His brand has also extended to include handbags and cosmetics.
He discovered his interest in shoes at age 13 after visiting the Musée national des Arts d'Afrique de D'Oceanie.
He rarely gave shoes to clients. Instead, he offered discounts to his most high-end clients, including author Danielle Steel who once purchased 80 shoes during a single visit.
He grew up with his three sisters in France.
He once sued Yves Saint Laurent 's shoe company after filing claims of trademark infringement.