QuelObjet.com is an incredibly addictive site that brings highly-regarded and luxurious French items to its U.S. customer base.
From fine papers and linens to perfumes and gourmet chocolates, some of the most chic French accessories can now be had with a few mouse clicks on one delightful site.
But as much as I love gourmet chocolates and french perfume, you know if I'm writing about a web site, there must be a shoe or handbag connection. Happily, in this case there are a few -- the first of which is Razzeteurs.
Razzeteurs: Unusual Shoes with an Intriguing Back-Story
While I certainly don't know even close to everything there is to know about shoes, it's been a long time since I've been as taken off guard as I was when I first saw an image of Razzeteurs.
For the still-uninitiated, Razzeteurs are a cross between high top sneakers and espadrilles. They are modeled after the footwear worn in the Catalan region of France, by people who dance with bulls -- you read that right -- people who dance with bulls.
Not like ballroom dancing or anything, but more like a humane version of a bullfight -- an artistic exchange between a person and a bull, in which the bull is not harmed.
The footwear is named for the humans (or the
razeteurs), and comes from the French word "Razze," which in English means "to shave." Referring, of course, to the point when the bull charges the dancer so closely that he nearly shaves him.
Footwear That is Unique in Many Ways
I guess if you're the type of person who dances with and gets shaved by bulls for fun, then these shoes actually seem rather tame to you. But for me, they were somewhat of a surprise. Not just for the way they look and the fact that I'd never heard of them, but also because there is no right or left shoe in a pair. Both shoes are made the same, but conform to whichever foot you put them on first.
If A Bull Has Not Yet Asked Me to Dance, Can I Still Wear Razzeteurs?
While I haven't personally tried a pair of Razzeteurs (mainly because I'm not sure what I'd wear them with), I must admit I'm intrigued. The festive colors, the high-top design, and the rope soles appeal in a very cosmopolitan way -- it's as if I'd feel more worldly just for lacing up a pair. Hopefully, an English-speaking resident of France will come along and offer up some tips for how to wear these fun shoes. If they do, I'll be sure and pass the information along.
Quel Objets - Espadrilles, Beach Bags & French Market Baskets
If you're having trouble imagining Razzeteurs in your wardrobe, you'll probably still want to give
QuelObjet.com a look for the fabulous french market baskets, the glorious hand-made espadrilles, and the roomy vivid beach bags -- magnifique!
