Historically, Bertrade nicknamed "Berthe Au Grand Pied" was none other than the mother of Charlemagne and the wife of Pepin the Short. History reports that she had one foot larger than the other, or even a club foot. .
Berthe is a queen, but not just any queen!
Regis Gautreau
The origin
From the very beginning of the creation of the Berthe Aux Grands Pieds brand, I wanted exclusively French manufacturing. After several attempts at production in partnership with different factories in France, I chose La Manufacture Perrin SA, which has become the historic partner of Berthe Aux Grands Pieds. This hosiery manufacturer founded in 1924 is a Living Heritage Company (EPV). Based in Montceau-les-Mines, it has real and unique know-how in the manufacture of high-quality socks. Around a hundred people qualified in hosiery work there.
The beginnings
I started selling my creations on the markets of the Angers and Nantes region, a stone's throw from my creative workshop. In the summer you can find me on the markets of Piriac-sur-Mer, Quimiac, le Pouliguen and le Croisic. I love this summery and joyful atmosphere. It's a world I know well because I sold tights and socks from prestigious brands there before creating my own brand.
Marketing these brands has allowed me, through direct confrontation with consumers, to better understand their expectations, their desires, their obstacles, and their motivations too. The market is an experience in itself of life, of everyday life, of inhabitants in their universe, it is direct retail from the creator to consumers. On the market, customers can touch and test the materials, judge the colors. Each flagship product of the collection is presented, each detail is crucial.
2003
In 2003, the brand experienced a turning point thanks to the sales force of my manufacturer and partner La Manufacture Perrin SA: we decided to launch the first Berthe Aux Grands Pieds collection on the French market. It consisted of a single box containing six models of mid-socks for women in 2 sizes: 35/38 and 38/41. The collection and the creative positioning of Berthe Aux Grands Pieds were well received by retailers who were not familiar with "this world of socks": shoemakers, hairdressers, multi-brand ready-to-wear boutiques, etc.
A very exciting new start! I decided to enrich the range and develop collections for women, children and men.
June 1999
Birth of a Queen
Following the simplicity of a discussion in a history class, the Berthe Aux Grands Pieds brand was born. A first collection was published in France, for the markets of the Atlantic coast. A snub-nosed, creative and offbeat brand that is shaking up the world of footwear.
September 2003
First collection in stores
The first collection of socks for French boutiques was created with the help of the historic sock manufacturer: La Manufacture Perrin.
September 2004
Tights and knee-highs
Tights, stockings and knee-highs are now part of Berthe's underwear range, always alongside socks which are starting to enjoy some success.
September 2007
Scarves and mittens
Scarves and mittens complete the range of footwear accessories from Berthe Aux Grands Pieds.
May 2009
Berthe in the headlines
Berthe Aux Grands Pieds launches into export and even makes headlines on the first television channel. The French discover Régis Gautreau, the creator of Berthe Aux Grands Pieds, who always explores markets in contact with "reality".
November 2014
Opening of the only 100% Berthe store.
Berthe Aux Grands Pieds opens her first and only store in Nantes (44) at number 20 Passage Pommeraye. With 3.14 m2 of floor space, it is undoubtedly one of the smallest stores in the city, if not in France. A curiosity to visit urgently if you find yourself in the Capital of the Dukes of Brittany.
September 2015
Creation of the e-commerce site, redesign of the graphic charter
A new revolution at Berthe Aux Grands Pieds, which continues to reinvent itself every day in a creative spirit. A new, refined logo, a subtle nod to the French tricolor flag.
September 2016
Berthe clearly positions its creative brand image of quality 100% made in France.
New communication campaign orchestrated by the Rachel Hardouin Conseil agency and the photographer Frédérique Atlan. New design of the website, more fluid and more ergonomic.
October 2017
Launch of Berthe sweaters.
Berthe's strategy is to collaborate with beautiful French houses. Royal Mer, a manufacturer located near Nantes, is one of them. A line of sailor sweaters is launched and the success is immediate! This new production will allow Royal Mer to face complicated times.
May 2020
Berthe launches her first sneakers.
La Manufacture » located in Montjean sur Loire (49) for the manufacture of sneakers. The launch was planned for March but covid19 disrupted the schedule. In May, fans of the brand responded to get their hands on this new product.
June 2023
Berthe launches a limited edition pea coat.
After several months of development, Berthe unveils a haute couture pea coat, entirely made in the Lener-Cordier workshops in Hazebrouck (59). It is offered in a limited edition of 1999 copies (a nod to the year the brand was created), each one is numbered by hand by Régis Gautreau.
June 2024
Berthe Aux Grands Pieds is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the brand, advised by the Axôme agency, has adopted a new slogan: "Dare to take a step aside!" An incentive to defy conventions and think outside the box with creative, cheerful fashion made exclusively in France.
colissimo delivery
48 to 72 hours
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From 79€ purchase
Satisfied or refunded
15 days
Made in France
100%