A sneaker which evolves for a high technology airplane
IN THE BOARDING HALL
In July 2023, we received a phone call from Maud, Dassault Aviation’s marketing specialist:
"Hello, we would like to ask if it would be possible for you to make us a pair of running shoes personifying Rafale™ airplane pilots? With our colors of course.”
"Of course we can but if you don’t mind me asking, why us?”
"You’re the best, aren’t you? And you’re a French brand, made in France, just like Dassault Aviation”.
Since then, some people say that Éric – who they see as being a boaster – now really takes himself for a big shot!
"Yes, I’m a bit busy these days with Benoit, we’re preparing a fighter jet pilot collection for Dassault Aviation”.
A COMMON FLIGHT PLAN
At Dassault Aviation, as at Baron Papillon, there’s no approximate piloting.
What’s the biggest challenge of this sneaker? How to make Rafale’s™ grey color – conceived to be invisible to radars – more sexy.
For everything else, Dassault Aviation trusts us.
After 19 drawings, numerous months exchanging, adjusting, testing, the trajectory was at last defined.
The prototypes were validated and production was ready since November 21.
And as we neglected nothing whatsoever, the design of the orange rubber sole 70% recycled is none other than the imprint of the Place de l’Etoile. The wall, which is 3 cm (about 1.2 in) thick, is indispensable for a perfect shock absorber.
PRECISION IS OUR APPROACH
The unique printing technique we call "placed" – performed in Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges with an ink jet machine – enables us to obtain original and precise designs, such as this model which copies exactly Rafale’s™ logo. Please note that it takes several passages with a white substance and that we obtain the "rivets" impression with a manual design, directly inspired by airplane rivets.
FULL CONTROL OF THE PROCESS
The printing process requires military precision: the apparatus must be placed manually at every two dowels. The lines traced thus take on perfect proportions, whatever the size may be. This is also the case when a total change of scale comes about. Drying is done using ultraviolet rays, followed by a layer of varnish which is delicately deposited to fasten the indelible impression.
INNOVATION TECHNIQUE
Our unique and iconic TM180 scratch enables an opening of 180° so that your feet may slip inside the sneakers without having to remove the laces. It’s even easier to take them off, representing a true gain of time and effort.
A STYLE WHICH HAS PROVEN ITSELF
Baron Papillon is a French brand of top quality sneakers.
We pay particular attention to the quality of our raw materials, to the modern look of the line and to the precision of details and its finishings.
We want you to take advantage of your Barons any time, any day, in the most casual circumstances and in the most formal ones.
SCULPTED WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION PAID TO EACH DETAIL
The silhouette of the insect is at the heart of the brand. For this exceptional sneaker, the tongue is highlighted with a logo displaying a butterfly jewel made of gold-color metal. The crown of the butterfly originates from the heraldry of Renaissance barons. This golden logo was conceived in collaboration with a French jewelry establishment. It took numerous steps to achieve this elegant result. For the Rafale™ model, you can see the impression of aircraft rivets directly on the leather. This was done before posing the logo in Mauges, situated in the Vendée Department (western France).
CAREFULLY CHOSEN MATERIALS
Coming from an Italian tannery and sewn by hand, the inner lining made of pierced leather offers considerable softness and a cozy sensation, transforming the sneaker into a true glove for your feet.
You can see the leather soften after wearing the shoes for several days: this is perfectly normal and it’s a pledge of quality, while it enables the sneaker to adapt to your feet.
FRENCH KNOW-HOW
Clean insole
It is the result of our secret alchemy of calf leather and cork with sanitizing herbal inserts. In addition to smelling good, these herbs improve foot hygiene by promoting aeration and absorbing moisture.
In other words, perspiration is kept to a minimum and the sneakers can be worn barefoot without giving off an unpleasant smell.
This sole also remains removable, allowing you to replace it if needed.
Sole
Paris, at Baron Papillon, it is the « Place de l’Étoile. We are re-using our unique design which identically retraces the roundabout and the avenues that enter it.
Concerning the composition, we provided our new Portuguese supplier with very strict specifications:
- 75% recycled rubber
- 20 % natural rubber
- 5% synthetic rubber
The abrasion coefficient is high and guarantees durability. Its 3 cm height protects the uppers against scratchs. Neither too big or too thin, just in keeping with the ground.
A FRENCH HERITAGE: HANDICRAFT WORK WHICH IS ECOLOGICALLY RESPONSIBILE
Handicraft work and well thought-out production
Concerned about environmental problems, we have always wanted sneakers which are both elegant and astute, perfect for today’s slow fashion movement. We adhere to the principle of "zero destruction" for our unsold stock and we continue to develop creative processes, privileging European materials which are truly respectful of the environment, while associating ourselves with ecological collaborative projects.
True quality fabrication
Without quality materials, no quality products! At Baron, we are now more demanding with the quality of our leathers, just as we are with the inner lining. As for the upper lining, it is made of calf leather from Italy.
The conception is quite intricate, 100% made in France
Upstream, Eric makes a brief for each model and Benoit proposes several designs. Once the design is validated for the new sneaker, it’s time to choose the raw materials, which come from France and Europe in order to privilege short circuit production. Upon reception in Montjean-sur-Loire, Cathy and her team elaborate the prototype from the selected design.
The prototype is validated. Production can begin.
Cutting, stabbing, assembling the sole with the upper lining, hot gluing the sole... there are no less than 35 steps in the entire production chain.
Until the last step: shipping
Nothing is taken for granted. Each step goes through the expert hands of our French artisans and each pair is pampered until its final preparation, then packaged.
To see all the steps in video, click here.
Attractive and responsible, an example of up-cycling
What makes us conscious of our environment? Production which is 100% made in France. We have
recently adopted boxes made of recycled cardboard, also made in France at our La Roche-sur-Yon site. Lighter, they enable us to further reduce our environmental impact and our carbon footprint linked to transport. As long as you’re lightening your footprint – even if it’s a carbon footprint – what better way to do it than with our sneakers!
