Christian Louboutin has single-handedly transformed the six-inch stiletto from Cabaret prop to closet staple.
But his iconic red soles are also responsible for a plethora of podiatric ailments.
Rather than feel any regret for inflicting pain on many a discerning fashionista however, the French cobbler has adopted a 'take it or leave it attitude'.
Louboutin says he feels little sympathy for those who suffer while wearing his designs, describing the relationship between a woman and her heels as a quasi-masochistic experience.
He told Grazia magazine: 'High heels are pleasure with pain.
'If you can't walk in them, don't wear them.'
Louboutin's six-inch spiked shoes, above, and a pair designed for the English National Ballet courtesy of Swarovski, below
The London Design Museum is showing a retrospective of the designer's creations next month
One fan who would agree is Victoria Beckham, who despite reportedly experiencing severe bunions and a slipped disc, would never relinquish wearing her favourite shoes.
Celebrating his 20th anniversary, Louboutin's high-end label is the subject of a an exhibition at the London Design Museum next month.
He has also released a coffee-table book, a weighty tome that marks two decades in fashion and his path from intern to A-lister.
Louboutin's journey as a cobbler began at Paris music hall Folies Bergere, where he first worked and was inspired by the world of Cabaret - a theme which still features heavily in his collections today.
So much so that the 49-year-old recently accepted a role as 'guest creator' at Crazy Horse.
But he credits his breakthrough moment to Tina Turner, who wore his designs at a concert ten years ago.
With a stellar career behind him, it's hard to imagine what would be next on Louboutin's to-do list.
But it appears he has his sights set on a new genre of clients.
He said: 'If I could do shoes for anyone it would be a special project for the Queen of England.
'She and the Pope are the ultimate clients.'
Louboutin is currently guest creator at Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris
