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Backstage of Repetto
Exalting the virtues of the Made in France effect, many are quick to skim past the modest craftsman and focus on high fashion. In the 6th edition of our bi-annual magazine, we introduced our readers to the unsung savoir-faire manufacturers in Romans-sur-Isère, and today we’re celebrating the international dancewear outfitter that started from humble beginnings in the back roads of Opéra – Maison Repetto. Every day, hundred of skilled artisans man the workbenches in the small town of Saint-Ménard-d’Excideuil to preserve a unique age-old technique: the return stitch. We joined veteran employee,
Joelle at the atelier to learn more.

History

The Repetto legacy is moreover a success story. Opening her first boutique in 1946, Rose Repetto took to making technical dance shoes for her son – crafting a silhouette with a more comfortable and flexible fit, made possible by the innovation of her signature return stitch technique. Championed by celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg, the Cinderella ballet pump and Zizi tap shoe have become studio essentials for dancers of all disciplines. In 2000, CEO Jean-Marc Gaucher joined the team and gave the heritage brand a dynamic, modern vision – aligning the artisanal brand with a fresh and attractive aesthetic. Working to remake the simple ballerina into a cult classic, Repetto collaborated with some of the most influential names in fashion, art and music like Yohji Yamamoto, Karl Lagerfeld, Stromae and Matthieu Chedid. Re-establishing its role as a key French icon, the brand went on to diversify into a selection of clothing and even a signature fragrance. Proud of its long-lasting influence in the world of dance, Repetto launched a foundation, ’Danse pour la Vie’ with the goal to provide support to dance schools from all over the world which encourages the education and rehabilitation of children through artistic expression

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Cinderella ballet pump
Championed by celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg, the Cinderella ballet pump and Zizi tap shoe
have become studio essentials for dancers of all disciplines.
Factory / Manufacture

Thanks to its growing success, the Repetto factory in Saint-Ménard-d’Excideuil employs 250 skilled workers. Today, the Repetto effect has spread across Europe and continues to grow but , in this small factory in the heart of the Dordogne, craftspeople proudly work to protect this unique sense of savoir- faire. Each pair of points, demi-points and ballerina flats are made in France at this celebrated atelier. 80% of the total number of shoes created here have the signature returned stitch and 10% of all ballet points – the remainder of shoes are soldered.

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Michael Ballerine Pump
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Photo report of Repetto manufacture
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Joelle worker Repetto
Joelle

After 37 years at Repetto, Joelle knows the factory like the back of her hand. A talented multi-tasker, she is currently in charge of training – working between departments that focus on different parts of the production line from seamstresses, tutu specialists and dressmaking.

Fabien et Teva

Fabien and Teva work on constructing each pair of shoes using the famous Repetto return stitch method – producing up to 400 a day - and up to 800 during the busy season.

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Repetto return stitch method Teva Fabien Workers
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Photo report of Repetto manufacture
Construction

Each pair of Repetto originals starts life in Morocco with high-quality leather tanned using traditional dyeing techniques. Once they arrive in the Dordogne, each hide is inspected and stored before being ready for manufacture. Once the time comes to transform this high-quality leather into a pair of shoes, the leather is reversed, heated and cut to size.
Taking environmental impact into consideration, the brand has developed a returned stitch machine, especially for rubber soles. Improving production time, this economical move ensures the material is treated with the utmost care and attention.
Proud to be one of the last remaining footwear manufacturers in France, Repetto continues to produce all of its footwear at this atelier – even pairs that don’t get the iconic returned stitch treatment are soldered in-house. Creating professional dancewear and footwear to the very highest standards is more than a job, it’s a vocation – and a prized position that employees like Josette hold in high esteem.

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high-quality leather
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Repetto return stitch method
[...] Once the time comes to transform this high-quality leather into a pair of shoes,
the leather is reversed, heated and cut to size.

Finishing and shipping

EMore than just the unique stitch technique, Repetto footwear is also renowned for its precise and flawless finishing touches. Each part of the production chain is handcrafted and scrupulously supervised to ensure the footbed is securely fastened, the logo is carefully positioned and even the laces are presented correctly. Before they are beautifully wrapped in their box, each pair is shined and polished – ready to be shipped across the seas to the four corners of the globe.


Customisation

Since 2010, Repetto has offered a customisation service on its iconic ballet shoes. Born from the multiple collaborations that helped elevate this truly special silhouette, customers can choose to personalise their own pair in types of luxury leather like crocodile, python and even eel! Using the latest technological advancements, their specially developed machines work with a wide range of materials to ensure a creative and exceptionally finished final product.

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a customisation service on its iconic balle
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