Here’s How Christian Louboutin, Inspired by Showgirls, Proved Trampy Can Be Chic

And got people to spend $1,500 on a pair of heels

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On July 27, 2012, agents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection swooped down on the Port of Los Angeles, commandeering five containers packed with contraband. Estimated street value: $18 million. You might think it was handguns that the agents seized, or drugs, or endangered animal pelts.

Nick Ferrari

But no. The feds laid their hands on 20,457 pairs of high-heeled shoes from China—counterfeit Christian Louboutins.

Fakes are one way to measure a brand's popularity.

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