Why are Ballet Flats Suddenly Everywhere?

There is no doubt that ballet flats have become the it shoe of the moment, and in particular the most popular shoe for spring.

The pervasive influence of ballet-inspired fashion extends to a multitude of collections by esteemed fashion houses, epitomized notably by the resurgence of square-toed Miu Miu ballet flats and Mary-Jane ballet flats. This revival not only reignited interest in this particular footwear archetype but also sparked intriguing collaborations, exemplified by the Repetto x Jacquemus partnership, uniting a storied ballerina brand with the illustrious French fashion house.

Embraced by a diverse array of personalities, ballet flats harmonize seamlessly within myriad style contexts, offering versatility and adaptability for various occasions. Noteworthy instances include actress Jennifer Lawrence's endorsement of their elegance beneath her evening attire on the Cannes red carpet, as well as their integration into daytime ensembles tailored for professional settings, as demonstrated by Fendi. Additionally, they undergo reinterpretation for leisurely seaside sophistication, exemplified by Chanel's beach chic rendition.

Some ballerina flats have become iconic and oh-so-coveted, such as the Alaïa ballet flats, the Ferragamo ballet flats stle, and a wardrobe classic loved by Audrey Hepburn docet, the Dior ballet flats.

Here are some of our favorite timeless ballet flats for Spring/Summer 2024.

But how did we get here?

The influence of ballerina style in fashion can be traced back to the 19th century when ballet began to captivate audiences worldwide. The ethereal beauty and grace of ballerinas inspired fashion designers to incorporate elements of ballet attire into their creations, resulting in a timeless and elegant aesthetic.

One of the earliest manifestations of ballerina style in fashion was the introduction of the romantic tutu in the mid-19th century. This lightweight and voluminous skirt, often made of tulle and adorned with delicate embellishments, echoed the silhouette of a ballerina's tutu and became a symbol of femininity and grace.

In the early 20th century, the influence of ballet on fashion continued to grow, particularly with the rise of the Ballets Russes, a renowned ballet company founded by Sergei Diaghilev. The elaborate costumes designed by artists like Leon Bakst and Coco Chanel for Ballets Russes productions introduced new textures, colors, and silhouettes to fashion, inspiring designers to experiment with avant-garde and theatrical elements in their designs.

The world was introduced to ballet flats at the beginning of the 1930s by a shoemaker of Russian origins, named Jacob Bloch. Bloch arrived in London from Australia and began to offer the sale of these new shoes with a low sole and elegant allure, now referred to as ballet flats. In 1947 it was Rose Repetto, mother of the French dancer and choreographer Rolant Petit, who founded the Repetto company of the same name dedicated to "more comfortable" dance shoes and ballet flats designed for every day as an alternative similar to ballet shoes. Both Bloch and Repetto are still known for their ballet flats today.

Throughout the 20th century, ballerina style remained a source of inspiration for fashion designers, with iconic figures like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly embracing the elegance and sophistication associated with ballet attire. The classic ballet flat, characterized by its simple and streamlined design, became a staple in women's wardrobes, offering comfort and versatility while exuding a sense of timeless chic.

The popularity of ballet flats is due to the cinema divas of the 1950s such as Brigitte Bardot, who wore a Repetto model in the film And God Created Woman, while a fan of Ferragamo ballet flats was Audrey Hepburn , who he chose it as a uniform in many of his films: from Roman Holiday to Cinderella in Paris and even in Sabrina .

In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, designers continued to reinterpret ballerina style in their collections, incorporating elements such as soft pastel colors, delicate fabrics like chiffon and silk, and voluminous skirts reminiscent of a tutu. High-profile collaborations between fashion houses and ballet companies further solidified the enduring allure of ballerina style in the fashion world.

Today, ballet flats remains a perennial trend, with designers drawing inspiration from the world of ballet to create modern and romantic interpretations of classic silhouettes.