Repetto Boutique (Paris, France)

Repetto is a bit of an institution in Paris and while most associate this brand with cute ballerina shoes in various colors, there is much more to it. Back in 1947 Rose Repetto created her first ballet shoes as a favor to her son (a ballet dancer and choreographer) and from then on produced more for local ballerinas. In 1956 Brigitte Bardot commissioned her to manufacture a pair of red ballerinas for her movie 'And God Created Women'. Three years later she opened her first store on Rue de la Paix, which is where the main store still has it's headquarters today. Since then numerous celebrities have been seen wearing the famed ballerinas and Repetto has done some well-received collaborations with Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto to name a few.

These days, the flagship boutique is still a must for anyone who loves cute shoes or just wants to channel their inner-ballerina - such as yours truly, though unfortunately I gave up on ballet when I was about 10 years old. The shop also still caters to prestigious institutions such as the Opéra National de Paris or the Opéra de Lyon.

The store itself is truly magical with a storefront window displaying 3 tutus and lots of chiffon. Inside, the boutique is almost always very full, with customers ranging from tourists to professional ballerinas dropping by to pick up a special order. The main feature of the boutique are the back shelves lined with silk satin ballerina shoes in various sizes and styles and of course for the non-professional dancer, the three round glass tables in the center displaying this season's hottest Repetto range. I witnessed lots of gushing women (I had trouble getting through to that table) and their respective bored-looking male partners standing in the corner wishing they were somewhere else (if you haven't noticed, this isn't really a man's store).

The range of 'normal' shoes includes the classic ballerina flats, as well as high-heeled sandals and colorful booties. In keeping with the dancing theme, all other shoes are grouped in categories such as 'Tango', 'Salsa' or 'Jazz'. All items are produced in the Repetto factory in Dordogne and materials used include goat, calf or lambs leather. The boutique also stocks other ballerina essentials, such as tutus, leotards and other apparel, as well as a range of leather bags and smaller accessories. Prices of the ballerina shoes usually fall under 200 EUR, while the boots are slightly pricier. Lots of fun browsing guaranteed, even for us non-ballerinas!

(individual images: Repetto Homepage)

Address: 22 rue de la Paix, Paris 75002
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 9:30-19:30
Repetto Homepage