If you love fashion as much as we do, you know that nothing—absolutely nothing—beats meeting your favorite fashion icons in person. It’s something about coming face to face with the individual that inspires you and shaking the hands responsible for the concept and creation of your most coveted wardrobe piece. That half-rockstar half-role model moment is absolutely irreplaceable. These are the fruitions of fashionista daydreams. Imagine the excitement pulsing through the second floor shoe boutique at Bergdorf’s as the stiletto savvy crowd lined up for the ultimate designer spoil: a personal autograph from Mr. Louboutin himself.

As if shopping for a pair of signature red soles isn’t glamorous enough, yesterday each purchase was followed by the opportunity to strut right up to meet the man and thank him personally for keeping your style so fabulous. In return, he’d offer you a reserved smile and customized signature. In true Louboutin fashion, these weren’t just run-of-the-mill scribbles. Yesterday’s lucky ladies left with artwork for the sole—a multi-colored design and insurance no one will ever be wearing the same pair as her again! Peep a few exciting event photos below!

Christian Louboutin’s rare and exciting visit to Bergdorf’s marks a milestone for the beloved brand, the celebration of his 20^th Anniversary Capsule Collection. He also graciously extended the opportunity for Parson’s New School alumni to join the party. Designers took inspiration from the collection, which features the most iconic styles from two decades of design, for their creations. Together Louboutin and Bergdorf women’s fashion director, Linda Fargo, chose five finalists to debut at the event and display on the store’s main floor through February 8^th.

"What I found exciting and interesting about all the finalists is that they took an element of each of the shoes, or a unique detail, and created something completely different," Louboutin said. His precise words strike upon the core of what makes him, these new artists, and all of our favorite fashion legends the rock stars in our lives—the ability to draw inspiration from others’ inspirations, to create the new from the avant-garde, to keep pushing forward in an unending river of creativity and beauty. In celebrating his 20^th anniversary, Monsieur Louboutin may be transitioning into a new role—that of the revered mentor, the master who works to grow his own love for the fashion world in others. From what we saw last night, he’s transitioning beautifully into his new persona as an icon to the next generation.

As a fitting tribute to such a landmark accomplishment, Louboutin has published a self-titled book—a work of art in its own right—that explores the captivating, magical world of the man behind the designs. If you can’t quite swing a pair of Louboutins right now, pick it up and use his story to hold you over as you save for the upcoming eye candy that is the March 2012 debut of the designer’s collaboration with Parisian Cabaret, Le Crazy Horse. It’ll be worth the wait.