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Sézane Paula Babies Review: Are They Worth the Splurge?

Sézane Paula Babies in Varnish Red one shoe upright and one shoe on its side, both shoes in box

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Dorothy may have been onto something with her ruby red shoes.

There’s just something magical about a statement pair of shoes that can make you feel confident, stylish, and a little bit unstoppable. While I may not be clicking my shoes in the Land of Oz, slipping on the Sézane Paula Babies gives me that same sense of job and wonder. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these charming shoes- from their craftsmanship and sustainability to how they feel on your feet– so you can decide if they’re worth adding to your own wardrobe. 

Sézane Paula Babies: A Closer Look

Price

$215 (2024)

Sizes

5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10

Heel Height

2 in / 5 cm

Colors

Denim Blue Varnish

Ecru / Black

Leopard

Lilac Varnish

Navy Blue

Patent Black

Patent Khaki

Patent Red

Patent Rosewood

Polished Nude

Silver Mirror

Smooth Black Denim

Varnish Ochre

White Lacquer

Sézane Paula Babies: How Are They Made?

If you’re wondering where Sézane Paula Babies shoes are crafted, according to the Sézane website, they’re handcrafted in Europe as part of the European Union- specifically an atelier in Portugal. An atelier (pronounced “ah-TEL-ee-yay”) is a French word for “workshop” or “artist’s studio”. Basically, this means that these shoes are likely made by skilled craftsmen, rather than churned out by machines like fast fashion items.

Sézane takes pride in the fact that all of their ateliers undergo regular audits to ensure ethical production. They comply with standards set by organizations like BSCI, SMETA, and WCA, which aim to ensure fair and safe working conditions.

What is BSCI?

BSCI, or Business Social Compliance Initiative, helps companies improve working conditions throughout their supply chain. Think of it as a framework to ensure decent working hours, safe environments, no child labor, and other basic human rights within the workplace.

What is SMETA?

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the most widely used social audit in the world. It helps businesses make sure that the working conditions at their suppliers meet ethical standards. 

What’s WCA?

WCA, or Workplace Conditions Assessment, is a tool that helps companies improve workplace conditions. It uses industry-accepted standards to evaluate things like safety and employee well-being. 

Knowing that these shoes are handcrafted in a European atelier and backed by strict audits like BSCI, SMETA, and WCA means you can feel better about where you money is going. It’s the perfect blend of fashion and responsibility, so you can step out in your Sézane Paula Babies without the guilt.

Sézane Paula Babies: Packaging Experience

Unboxing my Sézane Paula Babies felt like receiving a thoughtful gift from a close friend. The moment I opened the cardboard box, I was greeted with the charming phrase, “Paris mon Amour” in an elegant, illustrative font. Tucked beneath the shoe box was a lovely touch- a “Five Things to Know” branding story that added a personal connection to the experience. As I unwrapped the tissue paper, I caught a light, luxurious scent that made the moment feel even more special.

Alongside the shoes was a stylish blue and white striped canvas tote. I’m not one to usually get excited about freebies, especially if they contribute to waste, but this tote is both cute and practical. I can already tell it’s going to get plenty of use. While I’m not an influencer with millions of followers, Sézane’s thoughtful packaging and branding made me feel genuinely appreciated.

On top of that, Sézane’s commitment to sustainability shines through in their packaging, which is made from recycled cardboard or sustainably managed Forest Certified Forests- a nice bonus for eco-conscious shoppers. 

Sézane Paula Babies: Material Breakdown

Exterior: 100% Patent Goatskin Leather

Goatskin leather has a few key advantages over your typical cow leather- it’s lighter, softer, and more comfortable right out of the box. No need for a painful break-in period! The goatskin is treated with varnish or lacquer to create the glossy finish of patent leather, which makes the Sézane Paula Babies a bit more resistant to water and durable for everyday wear.

Interior: 100% Vegetable-Tanned Smooth Sheep Leather

The inside of the Sézane Paula Babies features velvety-soft sheep leather, often reserved for high-end fashion. This luxurious material feels gentle against your feet, making these shoes just as comfortable on the inside as they are stylish on the outside.

The leather is tanned using a vegetable-tanning process, which is the most eco-friendly method. It uses natural plant-based tannins instead of chemicals, so you can feel better knowing your shoes were produced with minimal environmental impact. Over time, the leather will develop a unique patina as it absorbs moisture and oils- so don’t worry if it changes color slightly.

Sézane also takes care in sourcing their leather. All of the leather is responsibly produced and certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), ensuring that it meets strict environmental standards. The hides come from animals raised for food, and the skins are repurposed to create these fashion pieces- another step toward sustainable fashion.

With a thoughtful combination of premium materials like patent goatskin and vegetable-tanned sheep leather, the Sézane Paula Babies offer both comfort and sustainability. It’s clear that every detail, from the soft interior to the glossy exterior, was carefully considered to create a shoe that’s as responsible as it is stylish.

Sézane Paula Babies: Care Instructions

While the patent leather adds durability to your Sézane Paula Babies, a little extra care will help keep them looking brand new for longer.

How to Clean Your Sézane Paula Babies:

  1. Use a polishing cloth with a leather cleaner specifically designed for patent leather, applying the product in gentle circular motions.
  2. Let the cleaner dry for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice a white film forming on the surface.
  3. Buff the leather with a clean cotton cloth to remove any impurities, grease stains, or water marks, leaving your shoes with that signature glossy shine.

Important Tip: Patent leather is delicate when it comes to cracks and deep scratches, which are usually irreversible. So while regular cleaning can keep your shoes fresh, be mindful to avoid rough surfaces that could cause lasting damage.

Sézane Sustainability

Since 2021, Sézane has been B Corp Certified, which means they’ve committed to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance. This certification goes beyond just the final product- it ensures the entire process, from selecting materials to auditing their ateliers, is done with sustainability and ethics in mind. They also focus on corporate governance, workplace well-being, and charitable efforts, making them a well-rounded choice for conscious consumers.

Here’s a look at how Sézane incorporates eco-friendly materials into their collections:

  • 90% of their cotton is organic
  • 85% of their viscose comes from sustainably managed forests
  • 50% of their wool is either recycled or RWS certified, and it’s 100% mulesing-free
  • 80% of their leather is tanned responsibly

Additionally, 75% of their pieces are certified by leading eco-standards including:

  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for organic materials
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100, ensuring no harmful chemicals are used
  • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) for sustainably sourced viscose
  • LENZING™ ECOVERO™ for traceable, eco-friendly semi-synthetic fabric
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) to ensure animal welfare and proper land management

While Sézane is clearly committed to sustainability efforts, it’s still important for us as consumers to practice slower fashion habits. Buying fewer, high-quality pieces with longevity in mind not only reduces waste but also helps break the cycle of fast fashion. Caring for your items ensures they last longer and reduces the need for constant replacements. Remember, sustainability isn’t just about the label on the clothes you buy, but how you choose to use them over time. By investing in timeless pieces and avoiding impulse buys, you can build a wardrobe that reflects your values and contributes to a more thoughtful, responsible approach to fashion.

Sézane Paula Babies in Varnish Red one shoe upright and one shoe on its side, both shoes in box

Sézane Paula Babies: My Honest Review

I often hesitate when it comes to buying new leather goods, preferring to go secondhand or vintage options. But finding high-quality shoes in my size (a tricky size 5!)- whether new or thrifted- can be a challenge. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by the transparent backstory of the Sézane Paula Babies.

The use of luxurious goat and sheep leather immediately stood out to me, especially knowing that the hides are recycled from the food industry rather than being sourced purely for fashion. On top of that, the shoes are certified by the Leather Working Group and other ethical audits, giving me confidence in both the quality and the production process.

Now, while I haven’t worn them for longer than 5 minutes yet, slipping my feet into that velvety soft sheep leather felt like walking on butter. I doubt they’ll be my go-to for a 5K, but they’re perfect for a pop of color on date nights or casual outings with friends.

Once I’ve had the chance to break them in, I’ll be sure to update you with a full review. Stay tuned!

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