I now regret the bad things I've said about Lanvin flats before..
I had a new look at them at Printemps and they were soft and fantastic.
I think the quality felt comparable to Repetto, but the colours and shapes are very different.. I would love some satin ones.
I have had no problem with quality of the Lanvin Ballet flats and have about 7 pairs from last summer and the autumn. When I bought my first pair the sales guy was really solicitious in informing me of the need to have the soles completely redone by the cobbler as otherwise they are too fragile for anything other than indoor use.
My cobbler here not only completely covered the sole in a rubbery-crepe but also put on a heel raising the back of the shoe off the ground by about half a centimetre. This stops the leather wearing at the back. Some of the chevre and the glazed lambskin leathers are sensitive to water. However, I found that they made the autumn flats in slightly hardier weather that has withstood rain, etc. My cobbler (who is recommended by the Louboutin boutique here and also makes highend custom shoes) said that they were incredibly well made. Personally, they work well for me and I am not keen to try others.
The satin ones are gorgeous - but I think I'll resist as they really are fragile!
They have done some in python for Spring and I think they might also be doing some in water snake. They're really stunning and the way the reptile skin varigates the colour is beautiful, but I have a bit of a conscience when it comes to buying snakeskin.
