CHANEL Ballerina Flats
Shoes stole my heart when I was still in Velcro – I said it when I wrote about my Jimmy Choos, and it’s as true today as it was eight months ago. On our trip to Paris last fall, I set my heart on a trip to the CHANEL store on rue Cambon, which is the original location, not entirely sure what I planned to buy. It should come as no surprise that I left with a pair of shoes that quickly became my favourite: the classic CHANEL ballerina flats.
In university, my obsession with ballet flats new no bounds. In more recent years, my enthusiasm for the style has waned somewhat. Flat shoes are a necessity, for practical reasons, but that doesn’t mean they’re my go-to. In my experience, though, there’s nothing like getting the CHANEL version to change your mind about something…
Karl Lagerfeld is credited with the design of the iconic CHANEL ballerina flats. But he drew his inspiration from Coco herself, and the slingback shoes that she herself designed based on the shoes the dancers in her beloved Ballet Russes wore. The style debuted in 1984, and quickly became a cult favourite.
It’s hard not to see the appeal of these ballet flats. They’re a classic, but the details, from the toe cap to the embroidered interlocking Cs, elevate them far beyond anything else on the market. The timeless style means they can be worn season after season, and the classic hues they come in only add to their versatility. Since they’re flats, not heels, they’re perfect for everyday wear. But again, the elegant CHANEL details distinguish them from other flats, which makes them easier to dress up and down than pairs from other brands.
Admittedly, I still wasn’t entirely convinced. Flats are everyday shoes, and I usually prefer to save my splurges for statement pairs. But of course, everything CHANEL makes a statement in its own way. And what sold me on the CHANEL ballerina flats in particular is their comfort. They were perfect from the moment I slipped them on in store. That is not a statement I make lightly. After years of gymnastics practises, most done barefoot on concrete floors, and ballet lessons, my feet are finicky. Very few shoes feel truly comfortable on them. But these – these are perfect.
They are also delicate, and need to be resoled for outdoor wear. Right now, mine live inside. I haven’t decided if that will change. Even if it doesn’t, they will remain one of the most special pairs of shoes I own – even if they are “just” flats.
If you’re considering adding a pair of CHANEL ballerina flats to your shoe collection, these are the things you really need to know.
Fabrics: Leather, tweed
Colours: Selection varies by season and store. A classic, like black leather and patent, as well as a tweed version or two in seasonal hues, is usually available. The highly sought after beige and black leather pairing pops up regularly. But it sells out very quickly.
Heel height: Flat
Sizes: 35 – 40 EU
Price: $1050 CAD. This is the suggested retail price on chanel.com. Prices can vary in store.
