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They’ve got shine

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Times Staff Writer

If Levi’s 501s are as American as apple pie, the Repetto is France’s wheel of brie. The basic ballet slipper became a quintessential element of Parisian style after Brigitte Bardot commissioned a street-ready pair. Mick Jagger is a fan of the lace-up style, as was Serge Gainsbourg, who reportedly wore through 30 a year.

In honor of the shoemaker’s 60th anniversary, cultural players such as artist Waris Alhuwalia and Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez created their take on the trusty classic for a traveling gallery-style show. From Tuesday until Feb. 16, 30 of the matchless styles will be on view at Barneys.

“We reached out to people who had a connection to the brand,” says Natacha Polaert, Repetto’s representative in the U.S. The results run from amusing to peculiar. Like a modern-day King Midas, artist Tobias Wong plated his pair in 18-karat gold. Singer and actress Vanessa Paradis did gold scribbles and blue tiger stripes. And Helmut Lang opted to skip the footwear altogether and instead dipped Repetto’s signature box in wax; the contents remain anyone’s guess.

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In October, the entire collection will be auctioned in Paris. Through the brand’s partnership with UNESCO, proceeds will benefit budding ballerinas in Cuba and Brazil, two locales where dancing dreams don’t often end in Bardot fashion. 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 276-4400. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.barneys.com

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OPENINGS

Weizhi This Japanese import is like Jacob the Jeweler for dogs. But instead of seeing diamond-heavy pendants, you’ll find a selection of higher-than-high-end bling for man’s best friend. If Fido is in the market for a new diamond-and-gold collar (complete with leash and fox fur trimmings), Weizhi is where he needs to mark his territory. Those not concerned with the impending recession may not find the set’s $30,000 price tag shocking. Everyone else should head to Petco. 8383 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (323) 951-1000. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.weizhi.co.jp

Belle by Sigerson Morrison Shoes bearing the Sigerson Morrison label are a favorite among fashion insiders because of their ability to transition through seasons with ease. Now Belle, the line’s lively and lower-priced offspring, has a new Beverly Hills home to call its own. The gold-and-mirrored space is filled with unfussy boots, flats and sandals that, like the parent line, are a classic addition to the shoe rack. 9640 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 858-1564. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

SALES

Jenni Kayne Through Feb. 14: L.A.’s resident style child has made a name for herself by outfitting red carpet regulars in uncomplicatedly chic attire. Now that fall merchandise in Kayne’s boutique is 60% off, everyone can look photo-op ready -- even if the only carpet being walked is in the living room. Short sleeve coats, classic cashmere sweaters and endearing dresses are now hundreds off the usual prices, which can reach above $1,000. Those suffering through the current cold spell may find relief with a selection of furs at 20% off. Just don’t tell PETA we sent you. 614 N. Almont Drive, West Hollywood. (310) 860-0123. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www.jennikayne.com

Krisol Those who shop L.A.’s trendy 3rd Street know bargains can be hard to come by. The Krisol boutique makes the search easier for men and women with a selection of fall merch at 30% to 50% off original prices, including styles from Alvin Valley, Policy and Converse by John Varvatos. But the real booty is the cashmere and sequin pieces from Han Ahn Soon. Christina Aguilera recently stocked up on goods by the Japanese label, proving that even new moms have time for style. 8312 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (323) 966-5808. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.shopkrisol.com

Michael Stars Today: If you live in your boyfriend’s “If I’m Not Wasted, the Day Is!” T-shirt, it’s time to revise your wardrobe (and your love life). Michael Stars makes it easy to have a closet full of basic cotton tees now that select winter stock is 60% off. Long-sleeve shirts are now $20, and cashmere pieces will make a $97 dent in your wallet instead of the usual $250 head-on collision. 1114 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, (310) 376-8700, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 1233 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 260-5558, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, (323) 965-8023, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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EVENTS

Paris Hilton Footwear Friday: Paris Hilton is one busy gal. The model/singer/actress/perfumer/fashion designer/club promoter has added cobbler to her novel-length resume with a new line of footwear (see review, Page 10). And the heiress is taking a break to personally unveil her latest product. The first 200 money-spending fans will not only get the chance to meet Paris, they also will leave the store with an autographed photo too. Macy’s South Coast Plaza. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 556-0611. 3 to 6 p.m. Friday.

“Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton” premiere Monday: Flip on the television, pour a glass of red and pretend that you’re sitting front row at Fashion Week. Director Loic Prigent will take you on a worldwide journey as Marc Jacobs prepares for not one but two spring 2007 runway productions -- one for his namesake line and the other for Louis Vuitton. This is the first time that the designer has allowed cameras to capture the intimate moments of his detailed creative process. There may be no rooftop after-party or coveted bag o’ swag, but your couch is a lot more comfortable than the chairs in the tents. We swear. Sundance channel. 8 p.m.

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erin.weinger@latimes.com

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