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A Legend Born from the Words of a Movie Star: The 78-Year Journey of Repetto Ballet Shoes

2025.03.10

The ballet shoes synonymous with the name "Repetto" is a storied French brand founded in Paris in 1947. Initially gaining popularity for its professional dancers' ballet shoes, it opened its first boutique in Paris in 1959. Since then, it has evolved into a globally recognized luxury brand.

Today, Repetto operates over 100 stores and produces not only shoes but also apparel and bags, all while maintaining traditional craftsmanship in its production.

The brand's significant contribution to establishing ballet shoes as a fashion item cannot be overstated. We spoke in detail with Agathe Blondel de Joigny, the Product Marketing Director at the Paris headquarters, about the brand's history and manufacturing.

PROFILE

Agathe Blondel de Joigny

Repetto Product Marketing Director

The Birth of Streetwear Ballet Shoes Created by a Legendary Actress

Could you share the origin story of Repetto as it celebrates its 78th anniversary?

The story of Repetto begins with a mother's love. The founder, Rose Repetto, crafted special dance shoes for her son, the premier ballerina and choreographer Roland Petit.

At her son's urging, she opened a small atelier near the Paris Opera House. The shoes born within that workshop quickly gained popularity among dancers suffering from foot injuries due to their rigorous practice, and the atelier soon thrived.

What was the turning point for Repetto to become a fashion brand?

A few years after its founding, a young female dancer visited the atelier. A loyal user of Repetto's dance shoes, she requested the creation of streetwear shoes that provided the same comfort.

That young woman was Brigitte Bardot, who would later become a globally renowned actress.

For Rose, an expert in dance shoes, this was a significant challenge, but she readily accepted the request, creating a pair of sensual, carmine red ballet shoes that were soft and comfortable to wear.

These shoes were featured in the film "And God Created Woman" starring Brigitte, creating a sensation. This legendary pair became the world's first streetwear ballet shoes and is still cherished today as Repetto's iconic model known as "Cendrillon."

The essence of Repetto is rooted in the feelings for loved ones.

Rose built deep connections with many dancers and artists. Particularly noteworthy is her relationship with Zizi Jeanmaire, the wife of her son Roland and acclaimed as the "Queen of Show Business."

Enduring all-day rehearsals and sleepless nights of dancing at cabarets, Zizi requested shoes suitable for jazz dance from Rose. This request led to the birth of the beloved classic model, "Zizi."

This influence remains strong, and most recently, at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Lady Gaga paid homage to Zizi with "Mon Truc en Plumes."

"Zizi" is now available as a genderless lace-up shoe. Has there been an intriguing evolution in its design?

Years after the birth of "Zizi", it gained immense popularity among men in the 70s. This was largely due to the fact that the French actor, singer, and fashion icon Serge Gainsbourg was often seen wearing "Zizi".

The encounter was quite surprising; despite his aversion to shoes and preference for being barefoot, his then-wife, actress Jane Birkin, gifted him a pair of "Zizi" that she found in a vintage shop.

He adored the comfortable shoes so much that he collected over 30 pairs. In his former home, which is now open as a museum, many pairs of "Zizi" are displayed in his shoe closet.

Traditional & Innovative, the Alluring Ballet Shoes

Does the iconic classic model inherit the design from its birth?

Essentially, it maintains the original design while evolving to meet modern needs.

For instance, "Cendrillon" has expanded its variety to include sharp square toes, strappy "Georgiana," and 3cm-heeled "Camille" in addition to the classic round toe. To adapt to urban life, they also offer highly functional materials such as rubber soles that are suitable for daily use.

Moreover, they propose new colors and materials each season, adding contemporary essence to the timeless silhouette. The latest release, "Tennis Silk," features an innovative design that merges ballet shoes with tennis shoes, characterized by satin laces, lightweight soles, and pleats that fit the foot perfectly.

Additionally, the service “Atelier Repetto” provides a unique experience utilizing the brand's expertise. You can choose from over 250 types of materials and customize iconic models like "Cendrillon" into a one-of-a-kind shoe just for you. The next “Atelier Repetto” service in Japan is scheduled for April at Shinjuku Isetan.

With the brand's expansion, has there been a change in the production system?

In 1967, a factory was established in the Dordogne region, in Saint-Médard-d'Eyrans. Here, production continues today through skilled craftsmanship. A training school for artisans is also located nearby, emphasizing the inheritance of traditional techniques.

Particularly important is the "Stitch & Return" Manufacturing Method devised by founder Rose. This unique method, which stitches the sole inside out before turning it right-side out, applies the structure of dance shoes. Combined with high-quality leather, it achieves unmatched flexibility and comfort.

“Repetto” is the only brand that has always faced the world of ballet sincerely. This spirit is still inherited as part of the brand's DNA through the "Stitch & Return" Manufacturing Method and artisan skills.

New Possibilities Cultivated with ISSEY MIYAKE & Yohji Yamamoto

“Repetto” has established itself as a luxury brand through collaborations with many fashion labels. Can you tell us about any memorable projects?

One of the most memorable in the history of “Repetto” was the project with “ISSEY MIYAKE” in 2000. At the time, collaborations between brands were still rare, making this a significant first step for “Repetto.”

Subsequently, collaborations with renowned Japanese brands like “Yohji Yamamoto” and “COMME des GARÇONS” followed, deepening ties with Japan.

Recently, in 2024, a collaboration was done with the Paris-based brand “Jacquemus,” and in 2025, with “Marine Serre.”

Repetto in collaboration with Marine Serre

In the collaboration between Jacquemus and Repetto, the timeless Repetto rick rack shoes “Zizi” were reinterpreted. By adding a square toe and round heel, it incorporates geometric playfulness while recalling the original pointe shoes deeply rooted in the maison's ballet tradition.

"Repetto x Jacquemus," Zizi Jacquemus. This new design is manufactured at Repetto's workshop in Dordogne, France, using a unique "Stitch & Return" technique and features androgynous lines. A pair that celebrates exceptional craftsmanship and a visionary spirit.

The collaboration between Marine Serre and Repetto is like a dance where both worlds harmonize. This capsule collection features two charming shoe styles from Repetto. The edgy “Lilouh” (in black, silver, and fire red) and the timeless “Camille” (in denim, black, white, and fire red) adorned with Marine Serre's iconic “All Over the Moon” print.

"Repetto x Marine Serre," Camille Ballerinas

At the center of this collaboration lies the shared value of "sustainability" between both brands. The innovative use of upcycled materials by Marine Serre harmonizes perfectly with Repetto's commitment to French craftsmanship and the unique "Stitch & Return" method developed by founder Rose Repetto, creating unparalleled flexibility.

Lastly, could you share your outlook for the future?

As "Repetto" has continually evolved to meet the demands of dancers, we will deliver high-quality products that are comfortable, functional, and timelessly loved, tailored to the modern needs and lifestyles of customers around the globe.

Although we are frustrated by what we cannot yet announce, there are collaborations and new releases that will delight you, so please look forward to it.

Text by ELIE INOUE