Repetto
France
Repetto is a French footwear house founded in 1947 by Rose Repetto, who made the first ballet shoes for her son, the choreographer Roland Petit. It is known for ballet shoes and ballet flats and has expanded into ready-to-wear, small leather goods and fragrances.
| Founded | 1947 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Rose Repetto |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Segment | Footwear |
| Signature product | Ballet shoes and the Cendrillon ballet flat |
| Website | repetto.com |
What is Repetto?
Repetto is a French brand that began with ballet footwear and grew into a wider fashion house. Its range covers shoes for women, men and children, ready-to-wear, small leather goods and fragrances.
History
Rose Repetto founded the company in 1947, making the first ballet shoes for her son, the choreographer Roland Petit. A boutique opened on the rue de la Paix in Paris in 1959, close to the Opera. A store in SoHo, New York, opened in 2015 and closed in 2020. Jean-Marc Gaucher became chief executive in 1999; the source consulted does not confirm whether he still holds the role, so no current leadership is stated here.
Products and positioning
The brand is associated with the Cendrillon ballet flat and with styles such as the Camille mules. It sits in the premium segment, combining performance dance heritage with everyday fashion footwear.
- Ballet shoes and dance footwear
- Women's, men's and children's shoes
- Ready-to-wear and small leather goods
- Fragrances
Business model and distribution
Repetto operates its own boutiques, with the Paris flagship the best documented, and sells online. Ownership of the company was not stated in the source consulted and is therefore left out of this profile.
Why it matters
Repetto is a clear example of a brand that turned a technical craft product into a recognised fashion category. Its history shows how a niche, performance-led item can become a signature product for a fashion house, and how store closures such as New York in 2020 can shape the footprint of a heritage label.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Repetto from?
Repetto is a French brand founded in 1947. Its boutique on the rue de la Paix in Paris opened in 1959.
Who founded Repetto?
Rose Repetto founded the company in 1947. She made the first ballet shoes for her son, the choreographer Roland Petit.