Chatelles is a French shoe brand specializing in loafers, slippers, and ballet flats for women, founded in 2012 by Françoise du Chastel.
The Founder wanted to create stylish, versatile and comfortable shoes for women. Since then, Chatelles has become a popular choice among fashion-conscious women worldwide, thanks to its unique designs, high-quality materials, and commitment to sustainability.
On our Paris Business Mission, we enjoyed learning from the Founder about the brand. Keep reading to know all the details!
From the Financial Market to the Fashion Industry
In 2012, after a few years at an investment bank in London, François returned to Paris to found Chatelles. Starting a fashion business with a background primarily in the financial market can be challenging but rewarding.
While you may not have direct experience in the fashion industry, your financial knowledge can be applied to various aspects of your business. Either way, shifting industries must be a challenge.
It can be a daunting but exciting prospect for individuals who want to explore new career opportunities. Transitioning from a different background into a new market can present a steep learning curve, but it also offers the chance to bring fresh perspectives and ideas into the industry.
To succeed in a new market, individuals must be willing to learn the ins and outs of the industry, understand customer needs and preferences, and build relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. And we were able to learn that right from Chatelles’ Founder.
The Paris Business Mission
The group had the chance to watch a presentation by Chatelles’ founder during the visit. It was a wonderful opportunity to discover more about the company’s past, core principles, and future goals. The Founder captivated the audience with insightful observations and entertaining anecdotes about their entrepreneurial journey.
The group was most pleased by the founder’s enthusiasm for his company and dedication to quality and innovation. He talked passionately about the materials used, the design process, and the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each pair of Chatelles shoes. Obviously, he was promoting not only a certain item but also a way of life and a set of beliefs.
The Romanticism
The Founder had a unique calling – to create a brand that was dedicated solely to slippers for women that combined elegance and comfort. And we know a brand has a strong presence when aligned with personal or emotional values and purposes. In this case, Chatelles was born out of passion.
François fell in love with a young woman and decided to offer her a pair of slippers made just for her, inside of which was engraved in this verse from Victor Hugo’s poem: “I cannot remain… far from you any longer.”
François then created Chatelles as a company that provided chic and cozy slippers and catered to women’s unique preferences with a feeling of purpose and a strong belief in his mission.
The success of Chatelles proves that a brand can be well-known if its goals and values align with those of the customers’ emotions or personal values. Because of his personal relationship with the company, François was able to design a product that was both fashionable and nostalgic.
Chatelles has the capacity to design products that satisfy practical needs while also arousing feelings of emotion and a sense of intimacy. Each pair of Chatelles slippers is infused with the founder’s love and passion, which is apparent to their clients.
To Sum Up
Overall, Chatelles is a brand that embodies the best of French style and craftsmanship. Its shoes are both practical and fashionable, featuring unique designs and high-quality materials.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production, as well as its support of social causes, sets it apart from other shoe brands and makes it a popular choice among socially conscious consumers.
Whether you’re looking for a classic pair of loafers or a statement-making pair of slippers, Chatelles has something for everyone.
