Ballet flats

Ballet flats were light, flat and very low-cut footwear, inspired by those worn by ballet dancers. They were introduced in France by Repetto, an American firm specialized in dance wear. The idea was taken up by Capezio, who created the patent-leather ballet flats with ankle ribbons. In the 1950s, launched on the cinema screen by Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, they were back in fashion, especially for Summer, in colors matching the dress. In 1977, Saint-Laurent had his models wear ballet flats. Ten years earlier Roger Vivier had created for him the pilgrim’s ballet flat, decorated with a gold metal brooch, which sold thousands of pieces.