Derby shoes make a stylish comeback: a fresh alternative to ballet flats

The ballet flat's reign in fashion is showing signs of ending. Derby shoes are stepping into the spotlight, offering a sophisticated alternative for spring and summer.

The derby's resurgence: from gainsbourg to the runway

For years, the ballet flat held court, a staple of effortless style. From the 2010s it-girl aesthetic championed by figures like Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, to recent collections by Ferragamo, JW Anderson, and Simone Rocha, the ballet flat enjoyed a prolonged period of popularity. A brief dip in favor – a period defined by chunky sneakers and Y2K-inspired footwear – allowed a more classic silhouette to quietly re-emerge.

French brand Repetto has been a key player in this revival, its styles embraced by contemporary fashion icons like Lily-Rose Depp and Kaia Gerber. But Repetto's history is unexpectedly intertwined with a rock and roll legend: Serge Gainsbourg. In the 1970s, the iconic singer favored Repetto's