Thursday, September 2, 2010

Repetto -- For Nanette


I cannot say how many pairs of pointe shoes I stumbled over growing up, nor the number of times she extended her leg up the passageway wall in an elegant stretch. No one talks about where the hundreds of worn out pink satin shoes went or how many lambs might have been sheared to make the padded cushions protecting the balerina's toes. Nanette, my dear sister and friend, this one is for you.


Repetto went on "the list" when Carol of Paris Breakfasts talked about finding the boutique here. I had already mapped it out before my arrival in June and walked to this incredible spot just after sunset with three friends (Marie, Mary, and Virginia). It did not matter that it was closed as the windows provided a great peek at an entire wall of pointe shoes, all pink of course.


Repetto
22, rue de la Paix
Paris

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

You know, I haven't got the faintest idea what you're talking about!

All the best

Keith

Pat said...

I used to work on Rue de la Paix, and often passed this shop. Never took up ballet, though! :)

Joyti said...

I only have one pair of Repetto's flats, but I adore them. SO comfortable!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Keith -- Well, you may want to check it out as the ballerinas and pretty French girls buy not only pointe shoes but trendy "must haves" in this store.

Bibi -- From my "research" the windows are always stunning, and the bright-colored flats by Repetto are quite the rage.

Indie.Tea -- I would love to have one pair but would have so much trouble choosing the color! Something bright I think.

Shell Sherree said...

I'm in love with their sign and the drifty fabric in the background, let alone the shoes. Lovely, Genie. And here's to your dear Nanette.

Unknown said...

Great composition, love the blurred background!

Rob said...

Well, I do not know much about foot apparel expect for my Ecco and Keen shoes. Your photo of this fashionable shoe boutique is marvelous! The bright blue interesting font in front of the soft whites and subtle pastels on the left giving way to darker tones all in a brilliant shallow depth of field.

Virginia said...

Oh our Nanette would have been over the moon had she been with us! I'll never forget that entire wall of nothing but pink satin toe shoes !!! I searched for this place last January and merci for taking us right there this trip. I've very jealous of Indie.Tea for having a pair of their flats. Ohhh la la!
v

Virginia said...

PS, I think Keith is pulling your leg. I'll bet he secretly wants a pair!!! Whoohoooo

Debra P. said...

Hi Genie, just found your blog. I love reading your accounts of my dream destination. Like you,Paris has been the goal since I was a young girl(long ago)! Do you ever organize trips? thanks

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Shell -- Merci! I have other photos, some of which I will eventually post. Virginia posted a lovely one in June while we were all there I think. Nanette and I love to travel together and she must come with me to Paris some day!

JM -- You, the master of great composition... Merci beaucoup!

Rob -- I have Keens as well but you guys do not get to enjoy the likes of Repetto unless you want some smooth blue dancing shoes (pour les hommes)!

Thank you for your kind comments on the photo.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Virginia -- I hope that Nanette is reading today. Seriously, that child ran through pointe shoes like they were paper. One performance and they were finished except for practice. She would just die to see the wall of shoes!

Keith was just a day late on the asparagus post -- I think he got lost!

Debra P -- So glad that you found me. Why don't you email me if you really want to go. I am ready almost any time!

Paris Paul said...

Just wanted to chime in with some useless trivia because I'm in as unfamiliar territory as Kieth on this one: the "Rue de la Paix" is "Boardwalk" in French Monopoly!

Paris Paul said...

Just wanted to chime in with some useless trivia because I'm in as unfamiliar territory as Kieth on this one: the "Rue de la Paix" is "Boardwalk" in French Monopoly!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Paul -- That is really cool trivia! I had no idea and had never even thought about it. Tell more... Let me ask this: Instead of the Go to Jail (and do not pass Go, and do not collection Euros, etc.) do you get a "go to the bank to try to exchange a €50 bill" during the 2 hour break and you do not have an account or a credit card with the magic chip? hehehe, just kidding!

PeterParis said...

Now it's my granddaughter who makes use of the Repettos! Pink, of course! Of course, Repettos don't guarantee a ballerina carreer! :-)

M said...

It was an amazing store and display! Just seeing that many pairs of pointes brought back that old familiar ache -- (or maybe that was just all the walking that we had already done).

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Peter -- But from the looks of her sweet face there is probably no more beautiful ballerina in the world, especially in the eyes of an adoring grandfather. Oui?

Alexa said...

Not too many things more romantic than a wall of pink satin ballet slippers!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Alexa -- Yes, with a brass ladder to climb to the top bin and a crystal chandelier!

Randy said...

Love the font! Have a wonderful weekend Genie!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Randy -- Merci, et toi aussi, mon ami!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Hi M -- Missed you earlier. I was so happy to "put a check" on my list of must-dos in Paris! Although, I must now go back to see how the window is re-styled! I cannot believe how much we had already walked that day and finished with a short stroll (hah) at 23:30 back to the 6ième!

Nanette said...

This is Nanette--- not Jeff! I'm so honored, Genie! What a beautiful store! I can smell the new pointe shoe smell as I think back..... and yes I saved a few worn-out pairs-- a green pair from being a Dragonfly?? in Cinderella-- and a black pair from Swan Lake--- Thank you for bringing back such a happy memory!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Hi Nanette -- So glad that you saw this. This will have to be one of our trips (after Spain, after Morocco, after Corsica...) Don't worry, we'll get there together!!

Bises, ma chère soeur!