Before Bégum Paris, there was Delage, the beautiful French maison with its workshop in Ile-et-Villaine, France. A maison that would regularly lend its talents and savoir-faire to the greatest names, such as Chanel or Louboutin.
Bégum Paris is the story of two cousins, Héloïse Wirth and Sarah Bouchez, who used to visit the family workshop when they were young, to wear the shoes produced there and, eventually to use Delages’ archives as an inspiration for their own brand… Bégum Paris.
Launched in 2016, Bégum Paris endeavors to safeguard the family’s heritage and craftsmanship.
Bégum Paris is also what these cousins used to call their beloved grandmother, making their choice of brand name an homage to a strong, lively, inspirational woman in their lives.
Bégum Paris is the epitome of French savoir-faire. Here, there is no tolerance for mass production, all the pieces are produced in limited series of 15 to 20 pairs, which are carefully assembled and hand sewn by French artisans.
These production choices are by no means easy. I am in admiration of Heloïse, a strong, sensitive woman who left her first professional career to dedicate herself entirely to maintaining the business, the workshop and their artistic production’s standards to the same sky-high level she imposes onto herself, be they technical or human.
And the standards are high.
The quality of the leathers is simply divine. They are cut according to the best techniques in order to guarantee perfect smoothness and suppleness. There really is not a break in sight. The products also come in a variety of colors, catering to all preferences.
Their work is stunning. Just look at the python skin stilettos or the shiny green leather ballet flats. I’ll let you be the judges.
Everyone will probably not be able to afford these products but Begum is one of the last French women’s luxury shoes manufacturers, which puts the former into perspective.
Bégum Paris is synonymous with the Parisienne’s timeless chic and elegance… And I am definitely a Parisienne, so I can shamelessly confess my crush on the Vancouver stilettos, who’s incredibly alluring retro cut instantly caught my eye.
December 4, 2018
Vancouver heels by Bégum Paris
Golden python heels by Bégum Paris
Bicyclette Millefiori flat shoes by Bégum Paris
Orgeval Shiny Green flat shoes by Bégum Paris
