Paris Foot Fashion: Repetto French Ballet Slippers

When it comes to footwear, there is one word that sends fashionistas around the globe swooning: Repetto. The brand is a well-kept secret that Parisians have known about since the first pair was created in 1947, but (as usual) the rest of us are just catching on. Frankly, I’m not the type to squeal over a pair of shoes—or so I thought, until I had a Repetto-related epiphany that made me realize what all the fuss was about.

The brand’s cult status dates back to the 1950s, when Rosa Repetto created an iconic ballet flat for sultry French actress Brigitte Bardot. In the 1970s, Serge Gainsbourg got on board, and the rest was history. Though the company still creates actual dance shoes, many of their styles have been co-opted by those who simply want to prance around the streets in them (myself included). Today, most self-respecting Parisiennes have at least one pair in their closets.

The shoes’ popularity is not solely due to their cuteness (although they’re very cute), but also to the fact that they are made by hand in relatively small batches, so even though they can now be found globally, there is still an air of exclusivity about them. Limited edition colors and styles come out each year—but once they’re gone, they’re gone.

A pair of Repettos is definitely a step in the right direction. They make a great staple for any wardrobe, but honestly, these shoes are about more than a fad, more than a look, more than a label. Owning a pair feels like owning a little piece of French fashion history.

Read more online, or if you’re in Paris, make sure to check out Repetto’s gorgeous stores:

Boutique Repetto. 22 rue de la Paix, 2eme. Tel: 01 44 71 83 12.

Boutique Repetto. 51 rue du Four, 6eme. Tel: 01 45 44 98 65.