Imperfect is the New Perfect

Release material

By definition, fashion has always been about following rules.

Fashion abides by a certain theme, typically attributed to a particular decade, strictly adhering to a general set of guidelines on what, how and when each new trend should be worn.

Within those standards, Parisian style—as embodied by French shoe brand, Bensimon—stands as a testament for fashion imperfection. Through every decade, the brand has bent the rules and strayed from fashion laws—yet somehow, it has stood the test of time.

It’s a reflection of the city’s je ne sais quoi—an inherent quality that defines everything about their culture; evident in their classic architecture, creative cuisine, diversity in art, exceptional way of life and most especially, covetable style.

A perfectly imperfect pair, every time

Designers Serge and Yves Bensimon, whose heritage is strongly anchored on this world renowned French aesthetic understands this; and it became the inspiration for the creation of a brand that grew to become an iconic symbol of style.

Nearly half a century ago, the brothers recognized the need for a pair of shoes that would reflect the stylish sensibilities of Parisians—one that would mirror the color, elegance and joy of living onto the feet of its wearers. With that in mind, Bensimon sneakers were born. It had the classic rubber sole of casual sneakers, but designed in such a way that it was more versatile and elegant, allowing it to keep up, not just with the Parisian way of life, but their inherent style as well.

It’s a fashion statement that focuses on versatility—celebrating individual style personalities than can go from trendy, if you so wish, to classic elegance. The idea is to highlight how a single piece in your outfit can make a definitive statement about your sartorial sensibilities, focusing on not only on comfort but on the idea that real, lasting style doesn’t have to try too hard; it’s carefree and relaxed yet still timeless, much like the city where it hails from.

“The idea that a pair of shoes can embody chic practicality by virtue of the quality and craftsmanship that Bensimon sneakers are known for is an attractive draw for anyone who understands that style is a reflection of who you are and your lifestyle. It’s the reason that we eagerly introduced the concept of being perfectly imperfect in terms of style in the country,” shares Jheric Delos Angeles, Bensimon’s Assistant Marketing Manager.

Each pair, and note that no two are made exactly alike, can cross the line between formal and informal, casual and luxe—and Bensimon’s seemingly inherent ability to do so has become renowned. It has become a staple for Parisian sartorialists who understand that style is about finding the confidence to make it your own, no matter how imperfect it may be.

Its versatility is actually the best way to express yourself, to showcase what’s different about your fashion sense, to highlight your personality and to bring focus to your distinct eye for what works and what doesn’t. After all, through the years of fashion evolution, the world has finally arrived at a point where trends have taken a backseat to make room for lasting style.

Maybe it’s a way of standing up to the fads that come and go decade after decade. Or it could be a simple acknowledgement of the reality that style has to answer to the functional as well as fashionable inclinations of its wearer. Either way, it’s a welcome shift from the precision that fashion always seemed to strive for—but one that looks like is here to stay.

Bensimon Redefines the Concept of Casual Footwear

What makes Paris, Paris?

Is it the impressive architecture? The distinctive cuisine? The deep sense of art and culture so inextricably linked into every fiber of the Parisian lifestyle?

Serg and Yves Bensimoncreated Bensimon sneakers in 1975. They took a simple sneaker and turned it into something that reflected the Parisian ideals.

If we take it from the perspective of Patty Laurel who recently took to the streets of Paris, it’s the effortlessness that it exudes. The renowned TV personality and travel writer candidly notes that the city doesn’t have to try to make its mark, it just does.

“I’m a big fan of fashion, but I think what makes Parisians stand out is their style. It’s their understanding of what works for them, without trying too hard. It’s not at all pretentious,” she says as she astutely observes how this is most evident in the city’s famed sartorial inclinations.

The Bensimon style celebrates the different elements that define Parisian culture: diversity, color, elegance, comfort and quality.

The city has solidified its reputation as a fashion capital, after all. But again, it’s the vibe of chic insouciance that made them distinct. This is where the line between dressy and casual began to blur—because somehow, given their distinct and sophisticated style, Parisians found a way to redefine comfortable and utilitarian into stylish and elegant.

Take the humble sneaker for instance—the no-frills, all-functional footwear with historic ties to youth sub-cultures with a penchant for grunge music. As far back as thirty-seven years ago, two brothers decided to reinvent it into something that reflected their passion for the Parisian aesthetic. And with that, Serge and Yves Bensimon introduced the definitive footwear that paralleled the effortless Parisian style and grew it into a symbol for the sartorial elite.

The Bensimon style celebrates the different elements that define Parisian culture: diversity, color, elegance, comfort and quality. It’s a recipe that is equal parts trendy and classic—one that has now found its way onto Philippine shores.

But is the country really ready to redefine their concept of fashionable footwear? Are Filipinos prepared to embrace the antithesis of the age-old idea of deliberate dressing?

If it’s meant to give you the utilitarian comfort of a pair of trusty old kicks with the style quotient of dress shoes, why not?

“We’re challenging the perception behind sneakers with a brand that almost erases the line between casual and sophisticated by virtue of design and function,” explains Ammiel De Leon, Bensimon Philippines’ Brand Director.

For a brand that has built its reputation by tangibly representing the Parisian ideals into something useful and fashionable, there’s no better time to introduce Bensimon to fashion-savvy Filipinos who understand that style doesn’t have to be contrived. Like the city where Bensimon hails from, it represents a fashionable conviction of simplicity, Parisian elegance and perfect imperfections.

As Anne Gonzalez of Terry S.A. (the company that introduced brands like Havaianas, Thread 365, Dupe and Pininho in the country) puts it, “we are constantly on the lookout for brands that have a unique point of view, are optimistic, fun and work well with the Filipino lifestyle.” And what could be more appropriate than a brand that translates its heritage and vision to a pair of shoes that puts the spotlight on chic ease and stylish comfort?

With that said, there’s no better for Bensimon to make its mark here or around the world, for that matter. Sneakers have already broken the barriers between street wear and couture—finding its way onto high fashion runways just as often as you would see it on the streets—proving that when it comes to sneakers, there’s probably nowhere that the right pair cannot go.

Bensimon sneakers are available at CommonThread (Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall), Rustans (Gateway, Makati, Alabang Town Center, Shangrila), Center of Gravity (Burgos Circle and Centris Walk), Shoe Salon (Glorietta 3, Power Plant Mall Rockwell, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Trinoma), and Shoe Thing (Kids styles only: Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood Mall, and Greenbelt 5). The price ranges from 2,095 to 2,565 for the men’s and women’s line and 1,295 to 1,795 for the kids’ styles. Visit www.bensimon.com.ph for more information.