Walk like A Parisian

MANILA, Philippines - Suyen Corporation does it again, surprising retail enthusiasts, as the brand brings in the most coveted pair of ballerina shoes from France: Repetto. With over 20 brands already on their roster — starting with Aldo, Bench and Charles & Keith —Suyen Corporation definitely knows how to keep up with today’s trends as well as the classics.

The French brand’s inception was in 1947 when Rose Repetto started designing her first ballerina shoes as she took the advice of her son, choreographer Roland Petit. Creating the shoes in a tiny workshop located very close to the National Opera of Paris, Repetto instantly became the shoe for every dancer. Nine years later, upon Brigitte Bardot’s request, the first Repetto ballerinas were designed according to the technique used to make ballet shoes which was the le cousu retourné—where the sole is sewn inside out before being turned out, bringing an unmatched comfort and flexibility. Soon, many celebrities and women couldn’t resist its appeal and comfort. Today, the French shoe brand has adjusted to the demands of the 21st century and continues to create new products while keeping its unique promise of grace and lightness.

Suyen Corporation recently opened Manila’s first Repetto store at the ground level of Greenbelt 3. More exciting news is that Repetto’s new collections — collaborations with designers like Comme des Garcons and other leather goods — are coming soon!

 Fashionistas can look forward to their first collection, which takes inspiration from preppy trends and school patches, from Latino dances like the cha-cha, bossa or calypso and from French yé-yé music. Some of the new colors shoppers will be seeing at the store’s opening are a new yellow called Ambre available in patent and suede and a bright and deep red named Laque in suede, distressed goatskin, patent leather and fancy croc effect. There’s also Espresso, a beautiful brown shade that’s not too yellow nor too red in patent, suede and sheepskin fur.

Specialists at The Peninsula will offer couples a unique bridal experience where they can meet the best and most exclusive purveyors.

Another is Rhésus, a mix between Bordeaux shades of blood red and deep wine in glazed leather and suede. There are still so many colors to be brought in, as well as luxe skins like goat, calf, suede, metallic suede, fancy textile fabrics like Cravate (linked with the fabric of uniforms) and Ecossais (a tartan textile), and even fancy leathers like the Plumetis (linked with female tights) and Motif Club (a base of suede with tie printing).

So this year, put your heels aside and do what the French do: walk in a pair of pretty ballerina Repetto flats.