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Essential News
01.05.2020
Hello everyone,
We hope you are doing well, and that you are able to make the most of this unprecedented period of confinement.
Today, we are very happy to share great news with you: the redesign of our Essential range.
Before getting to the heart of the matter, we sincerely wanted to thank you for continuing to order on the online store, during this particular time. Thanks to you, we can continue our activity serenely, while considering the future in a positive way. More importantly, we can continue to send positive signals to our partners (factory, logistician, tanners, etc.), who are today immersed in uncertainty.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Bye bye the Essentials
Two years already.
Two years ago, we put on the first prototypes of B0, on which we had worked for a full year.
After wearing them and torturing them, we made the final improvements, and placed our first order at the factory. In the process, we launched Belledonne, with the Essential collection as a figurehead, which then had three models: the B0 Vert Sapin, Bordeaux and Brun Orangé (quickly joined by the Bleu Roi).
Family photo - B0 - The complete Essential collection
24 months and 3000 pairs later...
Since April 2018, a lot has happened. We have chained productions, made improvements to our products, released 8 new models, sold nearly 3000 pairs...
But above all, we have exchanged with you. Whether by email, on the networks, around beers, coffees and even around lunches, we were lucky enough to receive your precious feedback.
Over the course of our discussions, we were delighted to hear that the vast majority of you were satisfied with your Belledonnes. But we also heard the improvements you wanted for the next pairs.
It was you who said it.
- “I like the light gray suede calfskin panels on the front and back, but they get dirty quickly.”
“These inserts require special attention, and are more difficult to maintain than smooth leather. For a pair of sneakers to wear all year round, this is not ideal”.
- “The colored calfskin yokes (burgundy, orange-brown, pine green and royal blue) bring texture to the pair, but have rubbed off on the cotton laces over time.”
- “The “collar” (area where the seam is located between the lining and the outer leather) seems more fragile than the rest of the pair” (abnormal tears in the leather in this place have already occurred)
- “The lacing done at the factory is often messy, and the laces don't always slide well.”
Faced with this feedback, we decided to undertake the project to redesign the Essential range.
A new specification
More than a simple overhaul of the range, this project marks a real turning point in our history, the culmination of several months of work.
Since last October, we have worked with experts from all sides (designer, production manager, prototypist, etc.) to write the new Belledonne specifications.
We got back to work!
Here are the main elements it contains:
Based on your feedback
- Replacement of colored suede calfskin yokes with colored nappa yokes. With smooth leather, no more discoloration problem on the laces.
- Replacing the light gray suede yokes with white nappa, which is much easier to maintain. In order to maintain the retro-sport effect, we have designed new perforations on the front yoke.
- The addition of invisible metal eyelets in the lining, to better slide the laces. These eyelets also have the merit of reinforcing these areas of tension and thus preventing tearing of the lining.
- The improvement of the seams on the famous “collar”, with the use of a new sewing technique, invisible and robust.
But we decided to go even further, with:
- The selection of a new smooth white leather, still Made in Italy, supple and resistant, with a slight grain,
- The use of 100% cowhide leather lining, which is more resistant and softer,
- The addition of a suede calfskin yoke that wraps around the heel for better comfort,
- The application of softer foams in the lining of the tongue,
- The final touch: a logo in gold leaf
A new partner
Once the new specifications were drawn up, we returned to the factory to request prototypes.
Unfortunately, our historical partner was not equipped to fully meet our expectations. It is therefore natural that we turned to Rui, with whom we have been working for more than 6 months.
Rui runs a family factory of about 80 people, created by his father, and has been working with leading brands in the market for more than 10 years.
Since the end of 2019, we have been producing in his factory and we have been impressed with the consistent quality he is able to deliver.
If you already have Belledonne, look inside! If you see hidden metal eyelets under the laces, your pair is from him!
We will soon be preparing a report in full immersion in the factory!
So we asked Rui to make us his version of the perfect Belledonne, and we were more than amazed. We had the impression of having a new pair of sneakers in our hands, Belledonne, but better.
A new Belledonne experience
Once the perfect pair is in hand, we set out to improve the shopping experience, to satisfy you even more.
Still based on your feedback, we have decided to:
- Stiffen our boxes (now in recycled paper),
- Offer a carrying bag for your sneakers,
- Improve our returns policy:
- They are now free in mainland France, whatever the reason,
- The return period is extended to 30 days,
- And soon, you will be able to generate your return label independently from your account.
So we're excited to bring you better products, with a better customer experience.
Better quality, better experience, new price.
Since our beginnings, we have worked to offer you the best quality at the best price, all year round.
Thanks to our distribution model without intermediaries and margin levels well below the industry average, we are able to offer truly competitive prices.
At Belledonne, our pricing method is simple: we take the manufacturing cost of a product, and we apply our margin to it.
Setting these new quality standards requires the use of more expensive raw materials, but also leads to higher manufacturing costs.
For these reasons, and from 01.05.2020, our products will be offered at €149 (free pick-up point delivery).
With this new proposal, we think we are more than ever fulfilling our original promise, that of designing pairs of sneakers that make no compromise between design, quality, comfort, ethics and price.
Some shots
Thing promised, thing due, we share with you some shots of your next Essentials...
Perforated nappa front panel
Metal eyelets in the lining
A recognizable Margom sole with the small “M” shaped logo
Calfskin lining and suede heel insert
Available in 4 colors... to be discovered next week!
See you on 01.05.2020
We'll meet you next Friday to discover these Essential News in detail. You can pre-order them and benefit from free home delivery.
Orders will leave on May 11, when the confinement period is lifted.
We hope you will be fully satisfied with all these improvements.
Goodbye,
Take care of you,
The Belledonne team
🎁
In December, return times are extended!
You have up to 30 days to return a product.
Exchanges remain free during this period.
The perfect pairs for winter
For those who want to change from their white sneakers,
we offer you our 2 pairs in plain suede calfskin, which will go with the most dressy outfits.
Easy to care for, they are perfect for the season!
Our Delivery Advice
To maximize your chances of receiving your package on time,
we recommend ordering before December 17th.
Also prefer home delivery from December 12, relay points can be saturated at this time of year.
For those looking for minimalism.
We offer you this pair of B0 Full White, entirely in smooth white leather. Very easy to maintain, they can be worn with everything, in all circumstances.
white as snow
Full White
Burgundy / Navy
The capsule that has become a classic
For those who dress with a certain relaxed elegance.
We offer you this pair of Bordeaux / Navy, originally from a Caspule Collection but which has become a must-have for the brand.
There is an assembly of very elegant smooth leathers, counterbalanced by suede calfskin inserts that give the pair a sporty look.
One of our bestsellers!
For those who don't want to be wrong
If you want to offer Belledonne at Christmas, but you really don't know
which pair to offer, opt for our gift card!
Free delivery
In relay points
Payment in 3x
No minimum order
Free returns
Period extended to 30 days
SAVE THE DATE
Essential News
01.05.2020
Hello everyone,
We hope you are doing well, and that you are able to make the most of this unprecedented period of confinement.
Today, we are very happy to share great news with you: the redesign of our Essential range.
Before getting to the heart of the matter, we sincerely wanted to thank you for continuing to order on the online store, during this particular time. Thanks to you, we can continue our activity serenely, while considering the future in a positive way. More importantly, we can continue to send positive signals to our partners (factory, logistician, tanners, etc.), who are today immersed in uncertainty.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Bye bye the Essentials
Two years already.
Two years ago, we put on the first prototypes of B0, on which we had worked for a full year.
After wearing them and torturing them, we made the final improvements, and placed our first order at the factory. In the process, we launched Belledonne, with the Essential collection as a figurehead, which then had three models: the B0 Vert Sapin, Bordeaux and Brun Orangé (quickly joined by the Bleu Roi).
Family photo - B0 - The complete Essential collection
24 months and 3000 pairs later...
Since April 2018, a lot has happened. We have chained productions, made improvements to our products, released 8 new models, sold nearly 3000 pairs...
But above all, we have exchanged with you. Whether by email, on the networks, around beers, coffees and even around lunches, we were lucky to receive your precious feedback.
Over the course of our discussions, we were delighted to hear that the vast majority of you were satisfied with your Belledonnes. But we also heard the improvements you wanted for the next pairs.
It was you who said it.
- “I like the light gray suede calfskin panels on the front and back, but they get dirty quickly.”
“These inserts require special attention, and are more difficult to maintain than smooth leather. For a pair of sneakers to wear all year round, this is not ideal”.
- “The colored calfskin yokes (burgundy, orange-brown, fir green and royal blue) bring texture to the pair, but have rubbed off on the cotton laces over time.”
- “The “collar” (area where the seam is located between the lining and the outer leather) seems more fragile than the rest of the pair” (abnormal tears in the leather in this place have already occurred)
- “The lacing done at the factory is often messy, and the laces don't always slide well.”
Faced with this feedback, we decided to undertake the project to redesign the Essential range.
A new specification
More than a simple overhaul of the range, this project marks a real turning point in our history, the culmination of several months of work.
Since last October, we have worked with experts from all sides (designer, production manager, prototypist, etc.) to write the new Belledonne specifications.
We got back to work!
Here are the main elements it contains:
Based on your feedback
- Replacement of colored suede calfskin yokes with colored nappa yokes. With smooth leather, no more discoloration problem on the laces.
- Replacing the light gray suede yokes with white nappa, which is much easier to maintain. In order to maintain the retro-sport effect, we have designed new perforations on the front yoke.
- The addition of invisible metal eyelets in the lining, to better slide the laces. These eyelets also have the merit of reinforcing these areas of tension and thus preventing tearing of the lining.
- The improvement of the seams on the famous “collar”, with the use of a new sewing technique, invisible and robust.
But we decided to go even further, with:
- The selection of a new smooth white leather, still Made in Italy, supple and resistant, with a slight grain,
- The use of 100% cowhide leather lining, which is more resistant and softer,
- The addition of a suede calfskin yoke that wraps around the heel for better comfort,
- The application of softer foams in the lining of the tongue,
- The final touch: a logo in gold leaf
A new partner
Once the new specifications were drawn up, we returned to the factory to request prototypes.
Unfortunately, our historical partner was not equipped to fully meet our expectations. It is therefore natural that we turned to Rui, with whom we have been working for more than 6 months.
Rui runs a family factory of about 80 people, created by his father, and has been working with leading brands in the market for more than 10 years.
Since the end of 2019, we have been producing in his factory and we have been impressed with the consistent quality he is able to deliver.
If you already have Belledonne, look inside! If you see hidden metal eyelets under the laces, your pair is from him!
We will soon be preparing a report in full immersion in the factory!
So we asked Rui to make us his version of the perfect Belledonne, and we were more than amazed. We had the impression of having a new pair of sneakers in our hands, Belledonne, but better.
A new Belledonne experience
Once the perfect pair is in hand, we set out to improve the shopping experience, to satisfy you even more.
Still based on your feedback, we have decided to:
- Stiffen our boxes (now in recycled paper),
- Offer a carrying bag for your sneakers,
- Improve our returns policy:
- They are now free in mainland France, whatever the reason,
- The return period is extended to 30 days,
- And soon, you will be able to generate your return label independently from your account.
So we're excited to bring you better products, with a better customer experience.
Better quality, better experience, new price.
Since our beginnings, we have worked to offer you the best quality at the best price, all year round.
Thanks to our distribution model without intermediaries and margin levels well below the industry average, we are able to offer truly competitive prices.
At Belledonne, our pricing method is simple: we take the manufacturing cost of a product, and we apply our margin to it.
Setting these new quality standards requires the use of more expensive raw materials, but also leads to higher manufacturing costs.
For these reasons, and from 01.05.2020, our products will be offered at €149 (free pick-up point delivery).
With this new proposal, we think we are more than ever fulfilling our original promise, that of designing pairs of sneakers that make no compromise between design, quality, comfort, ethics and price.
Some shots
Thing promised, thing due, we share with you some shots of your next Essentials...
Perforated nappa front panel
Metal eyelets in the lining
A recognizable Margom sole with the small “M” shaped logo
Calfskin lining and suede heel insert
Available in 4 colors... to be discovered next week!
See you on 01.05.2020
We'll meet you next Friday to discover these Essential News in detail. You can pre-order them and benefit from free home delivery.
Orders will leave on May 11, when the confinement period is lifted.
We hope you will be fully satisfied with all these improvements.
Goodbye,
Take care of you,
The Belledonne team