The beginnings

Carel maintains a special bond with you. As if the house had always been part of your life, of your daily life.
For 70 years, this unique relationship has guided us over time. Before being a love story, Carel is a family story.

In 1947, Georges Carel left his hometown of Grenoble (France) and moved to Paris with his wife, Rosa.

“Prevent the woman from walking sadly”

1952

A few years after leaving their native city Grenoble, Georges and Rosa Carel opened their first women's shoe boutique on Boulevard Saint-Michel. The district is boldly chosen for its proximity to the Sorbonne University, a young and carefree place, whose numerous café terraces inspire a certain cannage...

The creator then puts himself at the service of women and students, the success is immediate.

Son of a shoemaker, women's feet hold no secrets for Monsieur Carel. He develops comfortable and elegant shoes that accompany women from morning until evening. It is a new era for a liberated youth, who no longer dream but finally live. Dull colors are a thing of the past while bright colors reveal women. A unique idea that makes Carel shoes recognizable among everyone.

It was also the big debut of high heels, inspired by the New Look by Dior. However, the Carel woman aspires to more freedom of movement, delicate stiletto heels. The designer then favors the “trotter” heel (1.18 to 1,96 inches), more accessible for active women.

The woman emancipates herself, Carel accompanies her, it is “the prohibition to prohibit”

1960

For Carel things are moving, with the opening of the store on the Champs-Élysées, then the opening of the shoes department at Galeries Lafayette, Carel is the first shoe brand on display.

Fashion-wise, women are appropriating both traditionally masculine jeans and Mary Quant's miniskirt. For shoes, we prefer Mary Janes, ankle boots and over-the-knee boots, which are naturally found at Carel.

Between freedom and sensuality

1970

In 1974, Carel developed the Marquis, a flat heel ballerina decorated with a bow with a soft aristocratic accent. A timeless model, both simple and elegant.

The shoes were a success (more than a million pairs sold), and they were quickly appreciated by celebrities such as the actress Isabelle Hupert.

In 1976, Carel created the Topo model, a mouse ballerina with playful mustaches. The house tells its fables by creating creative ballerinas inspired by animals, which can still be found in stores today. Humor makes its entry into the history of the brand.

The seventies continued the momentum of the previous decade, with, among other things, the recognition of shared parental authority and equal pay between women and men. Debates on the right to abortion are organized, with events such as the Manifesto of 343, where many women spoke on the subject.

They led to its legalization, followed by that of divorce by mutual consent in 1975, international women's year.

1977

Shortly after, in 1977, Carel set up its factory in Blois and simultaneously began its advertising campaigns with star photographer Jeanloup Sieff.

They reveal sensual and liberated women, fully in control of their bodies.
Their collaboration will last 10 years.

Late 1970s

At Carel, the family business grew with the arrival of children: Tony (who has just completed his training in Italy), and Gilles, the son-in-law.

It was also at this time that the international opened its doors to us thanks to the opening of a corner at Bergdorf Goodman.

1980

  • The 80s heralded the revival of fashion, and brought to the forefront talented young designers like Thierry Mugler, Jean-Paul Gaultier, de Castelbajac, Chantal Thomas, Issey Miyake and many others, who chose Carel to accompany their collections.

    This era gave birth to original and eccentric creations, as well as long friendships between the House and the creators. Carel design were then worn by the very first “tops”.

    In 1984, Georges Carel retired, while the new generation became more involved in the development of the brand. Michèle Bineau-Carel completes the family team and Michel Vivien learns his skills at Carel.

Carel eccentricity in vogue

1990

The end of the 20th century was marked by celebration, and the 90s marked the beginnings of electronic music.

Between rave parties in Detroit and Spice Girls concerts in London, night owls and celebrities sported increasingly eccentric evening looks that would inspire the fashion of the time.

Carel does not hesitate to follow suit, and innovates with even flashier colors and the use of transparent plastic on its shoes.

Carel is varnished: creation of the new iconic, the Kina

2010

Since its creation, the Kina has always been manufactured in an artisanal manner in our Italian workshops. It has been endlessly available in various materials and ever crazier colors!

It lives and changes while always keeping the perfect curve. The one that reveals the beginnings of the toes in a pretty neckline. The one that refines the foot held by 3 straps, which enhances the silhouette. The one whose 4 cm walking heel allows you to walk during the day and dance at night.

A NEW CHAPTER

Frédérique Picard takes the keys of Carel from its founders. Based on the heritage and timeless values ​​of the brand, it will be keen, thanks to a new team of talents, to rediscover the pop, daring and joyful look of the beginnings.

The shops are revitalized, notably with the help of architect Claudio Colluci. This renaissance led to the creation in 2014 of a new iconic model, the “Kina”. A strappy Mary Jane that influencers, like the British Alexa Chung, are snapping up.

The return of leather goods

Leather goods are making a comeback and the brand is entering the United States with the Opening Ceremony concept stores.

This particular decade saw the birth of social networks as well as its influencers, a website was also created in 2012.

LAUNCH OF THE “CAREL CARES” LINE

2020

We are committed to recycling and giving new life to unused stocks, in order to offer you our first line of eco-sourced shoes.

For 70 years, Carel has been at your side, today, new issues arise for us. Carel always seeks to innovate. Concerned about protecting the environment, we are constantly looking for more eco-responsible solutions.

In 2020, Carel is launching its line of shoes designed from alternative materials. Whether with more sustainable models or using new materials such as alternative leathers (Piñatex and Appleskin).

The Carel Cares selection was created to facilitate the search for customers looking for eco-friendly shoes.
It is at the heart of our values: sustainability and responsibility from generation to generation.

DISCOVER

Discover the new collection

View all