Reqins, French shoemaker since 1987: the story of a family passion

Categories : Craftsmanship & Heritage
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The Reqins story began in Marseille in 1987, when siblings Jean-Carles and Régine decided to merge their creative talents and shared passion for fashion. Together, they envisioned a footwear brand defined by freedom and audacity—a true reflection of their own personalities and the spirit of their sun-drenched hometown. This family project was born from a singular vision: to create designs that seamlessly blend Southern France’s effortless chic with the most rigorous manufacturing standards.


Driven by a vibrant creative energy and a profound respect for craftsmanship, Reqins distinguished itself from the start with a unique signature: elegant, colorful, and resolutely modern. It is a solar brand, inspired by the Mediterranean art de vivre, which has evolved through the decades without ever losing its soul. To understand the essence of our journey, we invite you to explore the full history of the brand and its deep Marseille roots.


Reqins Marseille History

The Heritage of Artisanal Know-How

In 2015, the adventure entered a new dimension when Jules, Jean-Carles’ son, joined the family business. Trained by the prestigious Compagnons du Devoir, he brought invaluable technical expertise and became the face of the new Reqins generation: passionate, curious, and forward-thinking. This generational hand-off ensures the longevity of our traditional methods while integrating contemporary innovations.


Under his leadership, the brand continues its mission: to craft artisanal shoes that are as comfortable as they are durable, without ever compromising on heritage. Each pair is conceptualized, sketched, and developed with meticulous care in Marseille before coming to life in our Mediterranean workshops. This approach perfectly mirrors our mission, which focus on authenticity and unwavering product quality.


Exceptional Mediterranean Craftsmanship

Reqins shoes are the result of know-how passed down through generations. Our partner workshops—located in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Tunisia—have perfected the art of artisanal shoemaking. The choice of these production sites is intentional: it reflects our commitment to geographic proximity and technical excellence, ensuring optimal traceability and responsiveness.


Every design, from the legendary loafer to the season’s must-have ankle boot, is manufactured with obsessive attention to detail. Premium European raw materials are carefully selected for their durability and aesthetic appeal, resulting in a refined finished product capable of standing the test of time.


Reqins Artisanal Craftsmanship

Timeless Style: Where Elegance Meets Freedom

More than just a brand, Reqins embodies a state of mind: one of freedom, movement, and natural femininity. Our creations are designed to accompany women through every stage of their lives, from high-pressure workdays to moments of pure relaxation. Reqins ballerinas, the true icons of the house, perfectly illustrate this quest for balance between lightness and French elegance.


Throughout the decades, the brand has maintained its unique signature: a blend of vibrant colors, silky textures—from buttery suede to high-shine patent leather—and impeccable cuts. It is this loyalty to our Mediterranean roots that allows us, year after year, to offer collections that resonate with the modern woman’s desire for sophistication and comfort, whether she is wearing our signature Mary Janes or effortless sneakers.


From Marseille to the World: A Brand that Shines

Building on its success, Reqins is now present in over 600 boutiques across France and internationally. From New York to Tokyo, and from Seoul to the great European capitals, our designs captivate with their strong identity and unrivaled comfort. This global expansion is the result of a controlled ambition: to export Marseille’s elegance far beyond its native borders.


This success proves the relevance of our model: a family-run company on a human scale that prioritizes quality over quantity. Since 1987, Reqins has followed in the footsteps of those who believe in authentic fashion. Generation after generation, the House continues to celebrate a passion for leather and the beauty of craftsmanship, writing a new chapter of Mediterranean passion every single day.


Explore the full universe and the latest creations of our Marseille House at Reqins.fr.

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