Interest in ballet flats rises in South Korea after Jennie’s video — Korea Herald
Interest in low-heeled ballet flats has increased in South Korea after Jennie of Blackpink appeared in the video for her solo track “Less Than a Lover.” The singer wore the Camille model by French brand Repetto, and shoppers wishing to buy these shoes have to wait several months for their orders.
As Korea Herald reports, stylist Kim Ji Hye said that the current waiting period for the Repetto Camille shoes worn by Jennie is three to four months. The model retains the rounded toe and bow of classic ballet flats but features a short kitten heel.
Growing interest in ballet flats
According to Shein, searches for “ballet” on the company’s Korean website rose by 796.6% between July 27 and September 6. In August, searches for “flat shoes” increased by 1,410% compared with the same month of the previous year and reached their highest level since the beginning of the year. The company said interest has particularly intensified this year in ballet flats that can be paired with different clothing styles.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
According to the stylist, the low profile of ballet flats helps visually lighten autumn looks featuring voluminous knitwear and classic trousers. Red ballet flats or leopard-print models can serve as an accent in dark autumn outfits.
New shapes and materials
The trend is also spreading beyond South Korea. In the United States, total fashion footwear sales in the first half of the year remained unchanged year on year, while sales of ballet flats grew at double-digit rates, according to data from Circana.
Among current models, the publication highlights ballet flats with a high vamp that covers most of the upper part of the foot and combines features of ballet flats and loafers. Minimalist models with a single small bow on the toe are also returning. In addition to smooth leather, brands offer shoes made of suede and satin, as well as two-tone options. Sneakerinas — a hybrid of ballet flats and sneakers combining a slim silhouette with the sole and comfort of athletic footwear — are also gaining popularity.
