Repetto created her first pair of ballet slippers in 1947 on the advice of her son Roland Petit. Roland, a choreographer and dancer trained at the Paris Opera Ballet school was known for his creative dances. His wife was Zizi Jeanmarie also a dancer. Both are considered French national treasures.

The first boutique was at 22 rue de la Paix and frequented by the world’s prima ballerinas. Nowadays, the pointe shoes and ballerinas are still made using the famous ‘stitch and return’ method with the highest skill in Saint Medard d’Excideuil in the Dordogne. Prices start around $275. My favorite, the oxford Zizi in black runs around 190 euros.

The brand has grown with clients ranging from Brigitte Bardot to Kate Moss. You can choose between beautiful suede ballerina flats and classic leather loafers, all imbued with the label’s signature Parisian charm. Repettto shoes has partnered with Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Karl Lagerfeld and is now branching out into ready-to-wear. Of course inspired by dancer’s clothing and designed to move with lightness and grace.

Order them online at Net-A-Porter. There goes your shoe budget!