Repetto: A touch of French ballet in Manhattan

Manhattan's French shopping area is to welcome a new brand soon: Repetto's first American store will open this Autumn, bringing a little swing in its baggage.

Brigitte Bardot made Repetto's ballerina pump a piece of History when she asked the then-small ballet workshop a pair of flats for her dancing scene in Vadim's And God Created Woman, back in 1956. Repetto was already a long time favorite of the best dancers around the world. Rudolf Noureev, Mikhaïl Barychnikov or Carolyn Carlson would wear Repettos both off and on-stage. Each pair of shoes requires the savoir-faire of 10 people to be made (in France), following very strict specifications. Repetto has widened the range of its products, now including bags, clothing and perfume.

Until now, Repetto was only available through multi-brand retailers in the US, but the company is planning a big entrance in the country. The French ballet brand is due to open its first flagship store this November on West Broadway, Soho, next to Ladurée and Bonpoint. The location will display 2,350 sq ft of dance material, ready-to-wear, leather goods and perfumes. There will be a dancing area and an atelier to have the shoes customized, with a choice of 250 different colors. This new opening will also provide the opportunity to launch Repetto's latest line, Opera, a collection of twelve high-heeled shoe designs.

*Photos: repetto.com