Jessica Biel’s Cork Louboutin “So Kate” Pumps: Au Fudge Style Throwback & Buying Guide

Jessica Biel was photographed outside her family-focused restaurant venture, Au Fudge, in Los Angeles on February 17, 2016, just weeks before the restaurant officially opened.

Although some early reports incorrectly described the appearance as the opening event, the restaurant did not welcome guests until March.

Jessica Biel wears her hair down at her new restaurant “Au Fudge” in Los Angeles on February 17, 2016 (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

Better known for her relaxed off-duty style, Biel opted for a romantic white off-the-shoulder Self-Portrait dress with Irene Neuwirth jewelry.

Jessica Biel bares her shoulders in a romantic white Self-Portrait dress, pairing the intricate lace design with colorful Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps

She finished the look with an unexpected pair of cork-and-chevron Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps, giving the classic pointed-toe silhouette a textured, graphic twist. The appearance remains one of her more distinctive takes on the iconic Louboutin design.

Jessica Biel’s feet in cork-and-chevron Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps, featuring a multicolored chevron pattern layered over a natural cork upper and finished with the brand’s signature red lacquered sole

Biel later acknowledged that the restaurant business was challenging, joking during a 2017 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that Au Fudge was “definitely not making money.”

She explained that the concept grew from a desire to create a welcoming place where parents could relax with their children instead of relying on typical kid-focused venues.

Jessica Biel wears a white Self-Portrait dress while at her new restaurant Au Fudge

Her son was an early fan of the menu, particularly the chicken nuggets, French fries, mac and cheese, and cauliflower purée.

Au Fudge, a 120- to 130-seat restaurant at 9010 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood, closed in July 2018 after just over two years in business. Announcing the closure on Instagram, Biel thanked the families and community who had supported the restaurant, saying she was proud of what the team had created together.

Jessica Biel’s cork-and-chevron Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps were a limited-edition interpretation of one of the French house’s most enduring silhouettes, combining a natural cork upper with a colorful chevron overlay for a fresh, textural take on the iconic red-soled stiletto.

While Biel’s exact pair has long since sold out, the So Kate family remains an important part of Christian Louboutin’s lineup. As of July 2026, Mytheresa carries newer iterations including the So Kate 100 Denim pumps and So Kate leather and croc-effect ankle boots, alongside the closely related Kate, Sporty Kate, and Kate Max collections in patent leather, suede, denim, metallic leather, and embellished finishes.

Shoppers can also find classic Kate 85 and Kate 100 pumps through Nordstrom.

Christian Louboutin’s “So Kate” Chevron Cork Pumps combine the house’s signature razor-sharp silhouette with a natural cork upper overlaid in a vibrant multicolored chevron pattern

Why Christian Louboutin’s So Kate Pumps Remain a Celebrity Favorite

Jessica Biel’s cork-and-chevron pair may have been a limited-edition release, but the appeal of the Christian Louboutin So Kate has remained remarkably consistent. Defined by its soaring 120 mm (4.7-inch) stiletto heel, sharply pointed toe, and low-cut vamp that creates the illusion of longer legs, the silhouette has become one of the most recognizable luxury pumps on the red carpet.

Named after Kate Moss, the design embraces a minimalist philosophy—clean lines, an ultra-sleek profile, and no unnecessary embellishments. That simplicity has made the So Kate a favorite among celebrity stylists, who often choose it to complement statement gowns rather than compete with them. Stylists such as Law Roach have repeatedly paired the silhouette with Zendaya’s red carpet looks, relying on its ability to add height, sharpen proportions, and create an elegant finish.

The So Kate is also known for its demanding fit. Its dramatic pitch has earned a reputation for sacrificing comfort in favor of aesthetics, yet many celebrities continue to wear the style because of the striking leg-lengthening effect it creates in photographs and on the red carpet. For many, the payoff is an unmistakable silhouette that has helped make the So Kate one of Christian Louboutin’s defining modern classics.