French brand Repetto has placed its lace‑up shoes at the centre of summer style. The slim, tied‑up design is being highlighted in the spring/summer 2026 collections of Celine and Dior, making it the season's It‑shoe. This shift follows fashion's long‑standing hyperfixation with the world of dance, where ballet flats have long reigned supreme on runways at designers like Simone Rocha and Cecilie Bahnsen. The flat style served as the cornerstone of the 2010s It‑girl wardrobe for figures like Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, but the focus is now turning toward this lace‑up evolution.
A French classic returns
Repetto first gained fame in the 1970s when Serge Gainsbourg swore by the brand’s Zizi style, a soft jazz shoe named after dancer Zizi Jeanmaire, the daughter‑in‑law of founder Rose Repetto. That heritage adds a touch of French cool to the modern lace‑up. Long before ballet flats were associated with any specific aesthetic "core," the French singer provided an unlikely but enduring mascot for the brand. Today, Lemaire and Repetto remain the go‑to options for anyone looking to channel a bit of that Gainsbourg energy this season.
Styling the lace‑up for summer
The lace‑up is described as more practical than ballet flats, which "often have the structural integrity of a piece of paper," yet offers more flair than a loafer. Its slim silhouette is built for actual walking, making it a comfortable choice for weekend outings. Wearers can channel Gainsbourg’s brooding summer mood or take the Audrey Hepburn "Funny Face" approach this summer in a pair of capri pants. The all‑singing, all‑dancing shoe is ready for its return to centre stage as a versatile staple.
Retailers list the shoes at clear price points: Camper Casi Myra at £130, Lemaire Souris leather Derby shoes at £460, Repetto Zizi Oxford Shoes at £330, and Carel Paris Vittoria leather heeled derbies at £490. The Repetto Zizi Oxford is available through MYTHERESA. Celebrity fans include Lily Rose‑Depp, Kaia Gerber and Olivia Rodrigo, who have been frequently spotted wearing the brand. Their visibility reinforces the shoe's status, offering a polished yet practical option for the fashion‑conscious.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best summer shoes for walking?
Repetto lace‑up shoes are highlighted as a practical yet stylish summer walking option, offering a slim silhouette built for actual walking.
Why are Repetto shoes popular?
They combine walk‑ready design, French heritage dating back to the 1970s, and high‑profile celebrity wear by Lily Rose‑Depp, Kaia Gerber and Olivia Rodrigo.
How much do Repetto shoes cost?
The Repetto Zizi Oxford Shoes are listed at £330 and can be purchased through MYTHERESA.
What is the style of Repetto shoes?
The shoes feature a slim, tied‑up lace‑up design that is more practical than ballet flats while offering more flair than a loafer.
Where can I buy Repetto shoes?
Repetto shoes are available via MYTHERESA, with other retailers listing comparable styles such as Camper, Lemaire and Carel Paris.
Who wears Repetto shoes?
Celebrities Lily Rose‑Depp, Kaia Gerber and Olivia Rodrigo have been frequently spotted wearing the brand, reinforcing its polished yet practical appeal.
