K.Jacques, the underside of the most chic sandals in France

Can you describe K.Jacques to someone who has never heard of it?

We are a brand of tropeziennes, which are elegant sandals made in St. Tropez since the 1930s. Our sandals are of very high quality, so they last over time. We also offer semi-customization, which means that if your foot doesn’t match the standard sizes, we can adapt the sandal to fit your foot in the store.

Can you tell me about your name? Who is the ‘K’ in K.Jacques? The origin of it all, really?

The ‘K’ stands for my father, Jacques Keklikian (which means partridge in French), who arrived in France in the 1930s. When he launched his brand, he wanted to stamp the sandals with his name and asked his manufacturers how much it would cost to put “KEKLIKIAN À SAINT TROPEZ” on them. To put it in context, this was February 1935. The manufacturer replied that if he put “K.JACQUES ST. TROPEZ” on them, it would be cheaper! So, K.Jacques was born out of practicality and a bit of a desire to integrate, too. It’s just easier to say… But my father never told us this story. We actually found the document in the archives!

Is the family business part of the brand’s DNA? Are the values of transmission important to you?

Yes, of course! It’s very important to us. We create a product that lasts, and we work as a family, just like the business was founded. I work with my children, nieces, and nephews, and we all share a common mindset. We exchange ideas and make decisions unanimously when it’s time to make a choice. We have the same outlook on life, which we’ve most likely inherited.

They say K.Jacques is the brand of “tropéziennes”, so much so that “tropéziennes” has almost become a common term in the French language. So, what exactly is a tropézienne?

I would say that tropéziennes are simply a type of sandal with straps. But I believe the name “K.Jacques” has also become part of the common language! I’ve heard it used like that before…

What’s the secret to the brand’s longevity?

We make quality sandals with simplicity, elegance, and clean lines, without forgetting creativity. It’s very important for us to keep our manufacturing in St. Tropez. That’s our secret – we stay true to ourselves while evolving with the times!

What do your customers look for at K.Jacques? Timelessness or trendiness?

Both! We make timeless designs with a trendy twist. The brand has been around since the 1930s. We take pride in the craftsmanship and sustainable production of our sandals, but we also collaborate with some amazing trend-driven brands every season. We’re very proud of this balance between craftsmanship and trend.

Do you have a favorite model? A style that makes your heart beat a little faster than the others?

Since the brand’s creation, more than 2,500 models have been designed. I particularly love the Caravelle and Epicure models, which are very trendy, as well as the Zénobie model. It’s a sandal with ankle lacing that has a very K.Jacques spirit.

What do you particularly appreciate about St. Tropez? Do you live there year-round?

I was born here, and I live here all year round! St. Tropez is a very special place because it’s a peninsula, and there’s a unique atmosphere here. There’s a distinctive pleasure of living in this town. I see the sea every morning, and it’s a very privileged spot…

Can you give us 3 must-visit places in St. Tropez? What would you say are the places you can’t miss?

First, there’s the Citadelle, which offers an absolutely unique view – it’s unmissable and majestic.
Then, the Place des Lices, where you’ll find all the pétanque players and a fantastic market twice a week.
And for something more intimate, there’s the Place aux Herbes. It’s a small square behind Sénéquier with a little vegetable market – it’s very tropézien!