How’s this for lunchtime reading: Christian Louboutin is launching his first ever book, a beautiful coffee table tome spanning his work and inspirations from the past 20 years.

The self-titled book coincides with Louboutin’s 20th anniversary, and features the designers most iconic creations as well as an insight into his influences via an in-depth interview and photos from his personal archive.

“Rizzoli approached me to work on a book together and it happened to be perfect timing as my 20th anniversary was approaching,” Louboutin told Vogue UK.

“Without a doubt my favourite element is the photography of the shoes by Philippe Garcia. In researching the book, I was also obliged to revisit my own personal archive of photos and sketches and I was impressed at the amount that I had saved from those early days.”

Christian Louboutin, the book, is a work of art in itself – a five-piece fold-out cover, bound in pink faux leather; a magical interior pop-up and gilded pages – and comprises five chapters spanning the designer’s life, his shoes, the places they were created and his 20 years of design.

What’s more, Louboutin recruited some of his famous friends – his ‘vast family’ – to contribute, including Dita Von Teese, Kristin Scott-Thomas and Mika, plus additional photography from his collaboration with David Lynch.

The book’s set for release in October next month for £85 (€100) – we suggest you snap it up sharpish. In the meantime, though, flick through our gallery below for a sneak peek of some of the photos…

[nggallery id=82]