Founded in 1947, Repetto is not only a professional ballet shoe brand, but also one of the top fashion brands in France. In 1956, Repetto was asked by French actress Brigitte Bardot to design a ballet loafer suitable for everyday wear, and the Cinderella (Cinderina), which was popular with elegant women.
 
The secret to Repetto's lightness and comfort is the ingenious backstitching method. The artisans cut diagonal notches into the cut sole, sewn it to the upper, and then turn the entire shoe inside out to place the insole and secure the heel. The overall method contains a precise calculation that not only collects the stitches, but also hides the thickness of two-thirds of the sole, making the shoe less wearable and lighter, and is still used today in the production of shoes such as ballerina, ballet flats and Mary Janes.
 
Repetto's OZ collection of Mary Janes ticks all the boxes, with a small round toe, thin straps, and a choice of flat and low heels, making them the perfect entry-level style. The Barbara collection is a tapered heel with a leather outsole that's comfortable to step on, but it's only available in black and can be worn as a low-key commuter.