K. Jacques Men
In 1933, the fishing port of Saint-Tropez welcomed a new resident: Jacques Keklikian. Falling in love with the town, he decided to settle there with his wife, Elise. Eager to introduce locals to his invention, comfortable, durable, and robust leather sandals, he pays tribute to this haven of peace by naming his models the tropéziennes. Just steps from the port, the Armenian refugee couple opened their very first boutique-workshop. While Jacques took care of making the sandals, Elise focused on sales. Their business has a name, K. Jacques. From the very beginning, the Keklikian couple imagined custom tropéziennes for their clients and close friends, before making them for celebrities and rising movie stars. Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Brigitte Bardot, and Romy Schneider fell for K. Jacques creations. The brand was launched. And with the birth of the couple's three children, Liliane, Georges, and Bernard, they joined the adventure by integrating into the family business. For 90 years, the trio has brilliantly perpetuated the ancestral know-how of their parents. A sandal brand for the whole family, the tropéziennes are now an institution in the shoe industry, blending minimalism, timeless and sunny models. Drawing inspiration from the sweetness of life unique to the south of France, K. Jacques revives vibrant colors, with a touch of simplicity and trendy elegance. Committed to a sustainable and responsible approach, the K. Jacques brand advocates 100% made in France with noble manufacturing for the entire collection. The thickness of the leather sole is doubled, as well as sewn with imported Irish linen thread for flawless resistance to foot contact. Thanks to high-quality design and premium raw materials, such as noble leathers and tanning, selected from the best tanneries in France, Italy, and Spain, natural rubber, or even durable cotton thread, the production of K. Jacques sandals is carried out through meticulous handwork by artisans. In total, 46 steps are necessary for a pair of K. Jacques to be created. From working with materials, to cutting the straps, then assembling, gluing, or even stitching, the southern brand proudly reveals its heritage with each collection. Depending on the orders received, the tropéziennes are made to order, adhering to the concept of slow fashion. And in 2010, K. Jacques was awarded by the French Republic the label of excellence for French know-how, "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant." During the 1990s-2000s, the brand also distinguished itself through numerous collaborations with renowned designers and major houses: Karl Lagerfeld, Kenzo, Courrèges, Balenciaga, Helmut Lang, Givenchy, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Paco Rabanne, Isabelle Marant, and many others. Now, celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Michelle Obama, Kendall Jenner, and Gisele Bündchen wear the famous tropéziennes sandals. Among the K. Jacques best-sellers that will follow you everywhere are the iconic flat leather sandals as well as the Epicure, Zenobie, and Artimon models.
