Repetto

Repetto was created in 1947 by Rose Repetto, who at the request of her son – dancer and choreographer Roland Petit – began making ballet shoes in a tiny workshop just a minute away from the National Opera of Paris. Twelve years later Rose opened her first shop at 22 Rue de la Park in Paris and before long it became the place to go for Prima ballerinas from across the world, with Bejart, Noureev, Barychnikov, Carolyn Carlson, The Kirov from the “Folies-Bergeres” all wearing Repetto ballet shoes.

But it’s not just ballerinas who have fallen in love with the French dance shoe brand. Brigitte Bardot, Serge Gainsbourg and Kate Moss are just a few of the brands more revered ambassadors.

So, what’s behind all this adoration? The secret of Repetto’s light and flexible shoes? Since day one Repetto have used a “stitch and return” method, stitching under the sole before turning the shoe inside out, stretching the soft leather upper over a last and stitching it to the thicker leather sole. When the shoe is turned the right way, the left foot becomes the right and vice versa. This results in a near-invisible join between the shoe and the upper – and an extremely comfortable fit too.

More than just comfortable though, Repetto make some of the most beautiful footwear you’re likely to find. From classic ballet pumps to fiery salsa heels and cabaret, tango and mambo inspired styles too, each one is as perfectly suited for a day strolling around town as a night of serious dancing.