Adieu Men

Inspired by British punk rock and fascinated by the 1950s creepers worn by the Teddy Boys, Isabelle Guédon and Benjamin Caron founded the shoe line ADIEU in 2011. Friends since the age of 13, the creators grew up together in Les Sables d'Olonne before moving for their studies. Benjamin Caron notably apprenticed in shoemaking at the AFPIC in Cholet before becoming an apprentice at Michel Delaunay and designing and creating prototypes for Hermès, Kenzo, or Christian Dior. For her part, Isabelle Guédon, trained at the École des Arts Décoratifs, realized her dream of working for the house Lacroix a while before catching the attention of Alber Elbaz, who was then at Guy Laroche. The young designer became his assistant and supported him in his artistic choices. In 1999, Benjamin Caron and Isabelle Guédon formed their first duo and launched the brand Deuce, somewhat by chance. One day out of boredom, they indeed created a small pocket backgammon set with leather scraps. Against all odds, the success was resounding and international: Donna Karan, then in the midst of launching a lifestyle store, bought their entire stock and helped them gain recognition. From then on, the brand expanded its activities and specialized in leather furniture. However, it would take a few more years for them, frustrated by not finding the shoes they desired, to decide to design them themselves. The uniqueness of these high-end shoes, whose name is inspired by a poem by Mallarmé? A signature crepe sole with a wide welt specially designed by and for Adieu. Derbies, creepers, and waxed leather boots are thus elevated by a 3 mm sole made of an intermediate layer of micro-cellular foam generally used for sneakers. A fanciful touch that is not one and gives them flexibility, comfort, and lightness. A striking combination for models marked by authenticity.