Bégum: Our Story
Bégum Paris: A story of love and heritage
1990: Thanks to the initiative of a couple of patrons and the expertise of a former craftsman from Harel, a workshop was established in Fougères to produce high-quality shoes. This small town, not far from Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine), is one of the last historical centers of shoemaking in France, still home to skilled cutters, fitters, and stitchers. The Delage workshop employed around forty people, working in the style of haute couture, making each shoe piece by piece, often to measure. Much of its production was dedicated to models commissioned by couture houses, including the iconic Chanel pumps.
In Paris, two designers shaped the Delage aesthetic: Primerose Bordier, the high priestess of color, and Barbara Wirth, a celebrated decorator. The first boutique opened on Rue de Mézières, near the Luxembourg Gardens, catering to a sophisticated and discerning clientele.
2003: The small Breton factory was restructured and relocated to La Bazouge-du-Désert, where a few passionate craftsmen continued their meticulous work. The workshop also produced shoes for brands such as René Mancini and Christian Louboutin.
For over 20 years, the Delage boutique has been housed in the gardens of the Palais-Royal in Paris. This rare and historic location welcomes customers from around the world, offering each the opportunity to have their favorite model crafted in a near-infinite palette of colors and materials.
The Birth of Bégum
In 2013, as a German investor closely monitored the family business, a new generation felt the pull of adventure. Héloïse, who had grown up immersed in the elegance of her mother’s world, was ready to take the reins. She had always followed the workshops, assisted in the store, and worn Delage shoes herself. It was natural that she invited her cousin Sarah to join her.
Sarah, the daughter of an architect and fashion journalist, is a graphic designer and creative force. Together, they explored the house’s archives and designed an inventive line—honoring the Delage spirit but making it more accessible to modern, elegant women discovering style online. Today, Bégum shoes are available in two Parisian boutiques and online at www.begum-paris.com.
Why Bégum?
Bégum is the link between Héloïse and Sarah: their grandmother, affectionately nicknamed by her grandchildren, a counterpart to Aga, her husband. Bégum was unconventional: she painted her floors turquoise, had matching clothes made for herself, her granddaughters, and even their dolls. A tireless traveler, remarkable gardener, terrible cook, endlessly creative and enthusiastic—she embodied a playful, avant-garde elegance that inspired Héloïse and Sarah.
The Bégum Style
At Bégum, the designers reinterpret Delage’s classics, creating small series that experiment with daring shapes and unexpected color combinations. These are shoes for life in motion, designed with heel heights that let you walk effortlessly through the streets of Paris, London, or New York—beautiful, functional, and unmistakably Bégum.