Christian Louboutin of scarlet-stiletto fame on Wednesday named Jaden Smith, who has followed in his superstar father Will's footsteps as an actor and rapper, as artistic director of the French shoemaker's men's collection.

"Jaden Smith will unveil four collections per year, including shoes, leather goods, and accessories," the brand said in a statement.

Louboutin, the head of his eponymous brand since its founding in 1991, will be handing over the reins of his menswear line for the first time.

"One morning, I was swimming and I asked myself: 'Why not Jaden?'," the 62-year-old told Le Figaro newspaper.

He is banking on Smith, 35 years his junior at 27, to inject "visibility" into the line, which has grown to account for a quarter of Louboutin's revenue since launching in 2008.

"I am c

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