The Real Reason You're Addicted To High Heels

Gossip Girl star Blake Lively reportedly owns more than 40 pairs of Louboutins.

Renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin believes there's a reason women such as Victoria Beckham spend so much time wearing high heels – and it's not because of vanity.

According to Louboutin, women can't get enough of his stilettos because they have a "direct effect on the libido".

Speaking to the Sunday Times, the designer referenced his meeting with a French academic, who reportedly told him that the position of a woman's foot in high heels "is exactly the (same) when she orgasms."

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In a new book by the designer celebrating 20 years of business, Louboutin's shoes are described as introducing the foot to "a world of dreams and fantasies" and precisely composed designs, daring women to metamorphose.

"So putting your foot in a heel, you are putting yourself in a possibly orgasmic situation," explained Louboutin, who added, "there is an element of seduction in shoes that doesn't exist for men. A woman can be sexy, charming, witty or shy with her shoes."

Louboutin's theory follows the recent snub by Manolo Blahnik USA president George Malkemus, who reportedly said, "It was a chic idea for a minute. You wore a red sole, and everyone knew you spent $1,200 or $1,400 for your shoes. And I would say there was a period when certain customers abandoned us and moved into that world."

Malkermus added that Manolo Blahnik looks set to make a comeback as the "It" shoe, a theory that Louboutin dismisses as "nonsense".

Victoria Beckham carries Harper Seven around while wearing six inch Christian Louboutin heels.