Charlotte Gaucher-Holmann Discusses Repetto's Upcoming Collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto

As the fashion world gears up for fall, Charlotte Gaucher-Holmann, CEO of Repetto, is excitedly preparing for the launch of a much-anticipated collaboration with renowned designer Yohji Yamamoto. Scheduled for September 14, this partnership marks a significant moment for the Parisian brand, famous for its ballet flats since 1947.

Founded by Rose Repetto, the brand has a storied history, originally creating shoes for dancers to wear offstage, inspired by her son, choreographer Roland Petit. Over the decades, Repetto has become a staple among fashion icons, including Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg, and has experienced a resurgence under Gaucher-Holmann's leadership following her father Jean-Marc Gaucher’s passing in 2023.

“Yohji Yamamoto is a true visionary, having maintained his brand's integrity and creativity for over 50 years,” Gaucher-Holmann expressed. She highlighted their shared values of craftsmanship and discipline, which are essential to both dance and fashion. This collaboration, born from a longstanding relationship that began in 2002, promises to bring a fresh, unexpected twist to Repetto's classic designs.

While Gaucher-Holmann did not collaborate directly with Yamamoto, his team proved instrumental in the process. “He has a unique approach to design, drawing inspiration from the world of dance, particularly pointe shoes,” she said. This radical shift in design reflects Repetto's history of being embraced by rebellious figures, echoing the spirit of its past.

Amidst the anticipation for the new collection, Gaucher-Holmann noted a surge in demand for the iconic Zizi shoe, originally designed for ballet dancer Zizi Jeanmaire and later popularized by Gainsbourg. “We’ve observed incredible growth in sales over the past eight months,” she revealed. The Zizi’s distinctive silhouette and soft construction continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts.

Repetto is not only experiencing renewed interest in its classic ballet flats, but also in other styles like the Oxford shoe. Gaucher-Holmann shared her excitement about a new generation discovering the brand's offerings. “Our ballerinas remain the essence of Repetto, but it’s gratifying to see the popularity of our diverse silhouettes,” she stated.

Furthermore, Gaucher-Holmann discussed her partnership with Kaia Gerber, Vogue's September cover star, emphasizing the authentic relationship they share. Gerber has long been a fan of Repetto shoes, and together they launched two new models in March. “Kaia embodies the effortless femininity that aligns with our brand ethos,” she noted.

Taking the helm of Repetto in 2023 after her father's legacy, Gaucher-Holmann brings over a decade of experience from L’Oréal. She recognized the profound sense of responsibility that comes with leading a family business, stating, “Every decision is both professional and deeply personal.” With a commitment to maintaining Repetto’s heritage while embracing innovation, Gaucher-Holmann is poised to steer the brand into a vibrant future.

Source: www.vogue.com