With funds secured from two backers, Louboutin opened his own salon in Paris in 1981, with Princess Caroline of Monaco as his first customer, which was a lucky break for him because she complimented his store one day when a fashion journalist was present and the journalist's subsequent publication of her comments was an immense boost to his reputation. Louboutin helped bring stilettos back into fashion – his spiked heels started from 4.72 inches upwards, the mere thought of which makes my feet hurt! His goal was to make women's legs look sexy and as long as possible. Although he does make lower heels, his USP was dressy, evening-wear designs with rhinestones, feathers and bows. But he was not satisfied with the reproduction of his designs – he felt there was something missing and in frustr.