Rébé
Rébé was a French brand founded by René Begué and specialised in lace and embroidery.
A label that, along with the maison Lesage, was used for over a century for the most famous embroideries and laces in French high fashion. It takes its name from the double initials of René Begué whom Worth called “the artist,” in recognition of his exceptional creative gifts. Much of the work done by Rébé is now on exhibit at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, where it was donated by the artist. Begué worked for a very considerable number of fashion houses: he was 17 when he started as an illustrator for Paquin, in London.
Immediately thereafter he was hired by the embroidery house Vitet, where he soon created an impressive reputation for himself. He worked first for Doucet, Poiret, Doeuillet, and Schiaparelli; later Balenciaga, Fath, and Christian Dior asked for his work. His name is linked to the most spectacular runway presentations, the most celebrated maisons, and the most prestigious clients: suffice it to mention the wedding dress of the Empress Farah Diba. No one knows René Begué actual date of birth, but it is said that he died at over a hundred years of age, in 1980.
Rébé and Roger Vivier
His collaboration with Roger Vivier is famous. René Begué helped Monsieur Vivier create some of his most elaborate designs, such as a pair of yellow silk shoes from 1957. The shoes featured an intricate floral pattern, consisting of a combination of multi-coloured silk and gold and silver threads. Rébé brought a multi-dimensional aspect to Vivier’s design, using different sized stitches for the flowers, incorporating sequins that shimmered beneath the silk threads. He also made the flowers as realistic and precise as possible adding much depth and texture to the design.
Their collaboration was not limited to embroidery. Rébé also embellished the shoes that Monsieur Vivier created in collaboration with Maison Dior. A pair of mules were embellished with beads, rhinestones and pearls to form delicate branches. The shoes feature a raised sole and distinct curve of the choc heel.
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