Please Paris Shoes
The French designer’s debut collection touts unusual materials like patented leather with granite print, faux shearling and velvet
In the sea of shoes that flood the department stores, boutiques and e-shops, it’s not often that a debut collection grabs ahold of our complete attention like the one from Please Paris did. The recently launched French brand’s statement pieces surprise with unusual textures like faux-shearling, velvet and even shiny patent calfskin leather in granite print—for a bold yet indubitably feminine look.
Please Paris founder Sandra Pergue has been wanting to design her own line for some time, spending the years since graduating in fashion design at Lyon’s ESMOD developing her professional skills and saving enough money. Her most recent gig was working as Head of Collection at Maison Kitsuné before leaving to focus on Please Paris’ launch. “[Maison Kitsuné] had very high demands on the selection of fabrics, and local and specialized manufacturers,” Pergue tells CH. “I like to work this way, paying close attention to the details, the origin and the making of the products—so it speaks for itself.”
Currently, Please Paris shoes are produced in France, in a workshop formerly used by luxury French designer Christian Louboutin. “I like the idea of following in the footsteps of the greats,” says Pergue. The entire process is guided by the hand, from cutting leather to pattern-making to the finishing. “We use the best quality leathers from France, Spain and Italy and pay close attention to the selection of the technical components because what you don’t see is what makes 70% of the quality and durability of a shoe,” says Pergue. This kind of workshop depends upon new designers, she says, to keep going. It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but we’re particularly enamored with the blue version of Charlie, a desert boot with contrasting velvet and patent leather textures—its faux shearling brother is rather attractive as well.
Please Paris’ season-less debut collection is available online from its webshop; the styles (sans the faux shearling) will carry-over to the S/S ’15 season with a new collection to launch late summer of 2015.
Images courtesy of Arthur Castillon for Please Paris
