Note from Benoît: this time we have an unusual article, since it is a double test! More precisely, it is a brand that offers unisex shoes. For the first time at BonneGueule, there is a female shooting by Constance, Editorial Project Manager since March with us. Constance has had quite a bit of experience in fashion, and as you will see, she has very good “product knowledge”.
Garçonne & Chérubin: a musical shoe brand
Once upon a time there was Garçonne & Chérubin , a French unisex shoe brand founded by two friends: Edward Vizard and François Sabbagh . It all started at the beginning of 2014 in Paris for the duo of musicians who decided to launch their label. The word "label" is not chosen at random, because Garçonne & Chérubin designates a brand of high-end shoes but the concept (rather original) is to associate them with music .
Here is the musical duo behind Garçonne & Chérubin: François and Edward.
Indeed, Edward and François form a group called “ Astrazz ” and stand out by offering a complete musical playlist with their products! It is they themselves who compose a mini album and produce it for each collection: true creatives in short.
To find all their compositions, click here !
Presentation of the Jazzette, derby and low sneakers
Regarding the product offering, it is unique! There is only one model for men and women: the “ Jazzette ”. This is available in two versions: derby and sneaker ; and in different materials and colors.
Florian and I are going to test both versions. You will therefore discover in this article a male/female test for the first time at BonneGueule! But as the models are unisex , the model I wear is exactly the same for you gentlemen :)
Note from Benoit: since the brand is mixed, those who have small sizes will have no trouble finding shoes in 37 or 38.
To give you a more concrete idea, here is a nice video which presents the latest collection : " Burning Meditation " by Garçonne & Chérubin (if the name reminds you of the title of an album: so much the better, because that's the idea! ).
Having practiced lindy-hop myself (well, for a year, but still), these shoes immediately reminded me of this original couple dance. If you have no idea what it is, the answer is here (these are my former teachers in the video, who teach in Paris, for those who are interested). I told François, who also explained to me that he and Edward had the opportunity to play as Astrazz during festivals / lindy sessions! #anecdote
Now let's get down to business: discover our test of the Jazzette "Sport" and "Classic".
Test of low sneakers - Jazzette Sport by Florian
The model Florian is wearing is the “sneaker” version of the Jazzette , launched last April. More casual, this model is therefore more casual; but just as qualitative in terms of finishes , as you will see.
Note from Benoit: Flo obviously liked the brand, because he wears them very often at the office.
The Jazzette “Sport” are worn by Florian, and he chose the blue color.
Garçonne & Chérubin has also produced a short video presentation of this model:
The shoe is made of embossed nubuck with a grained effect , just like the leather of the ornaments. The interior lining is in full-grain cowhide leather here too , and we find the famous Italian Margom sole which we have already told you about on BonneGueule ( Rubber Cup Sole to be precise, for sneaker purists). Finally, you will note the presence of a (discreet) 24-carat gold-plated button (to attract young ladies), at the back of the shoe.
Note from Florian: I spontaneously chose blue, because this color has the immense advantage of being very versatile. I really like the embossing of the leather: a bit of a honeycomb effect which brings a touch of originality, while remaining very discreet. The particular shape of the shoe cut at the ankle characterizes the signature of the brand, this allows you to escape from the classic shackles of sneakers. For the record, I was spontaneously asked in the metro the brand of my shoes!
Florian, the man with legendary phlegm... (BonneGueule chambray shirt, Asos x Harris Tweed cardigan, handmade clutch, WhenIwas17 belt, Zara pants).
Note from Florian: I deliberately chose tartan pants as the central piece of my outfit. At the moment, I'm wearing a lot of sleeveless cardigans (we'll have the opportunity to talk to you about this with Luca ;)). It's a good alternative to a blazer when it's hot, if you want to wear a dressy piece. You can't see it clearly in the image, but Harris Tweed wool has several discreet and interesting shades of color. It also allows you to mix genres to give originality to your outfits. Regarding the cover, it's up to you! My goal was to show you that the vest can be perfectly suited to a casual outfit while moving away from the eternal shirt/chino combo that we often wear in summer.
This sneaker version is available here , in the following four colors : light beige (rather ecru), electric blue (this one), bright red and black; for the price of 170 euros in store.
This model is also on sale at the moment, at a price of 153 euros.
The “Jazzette Sport” fits normally, so take your usual size.
The Jazzette “Sport”, complete! Note from Benoit: it was a brand that I didn't know, and having seen the sneakers up close, it's very refreshing to see designs that change a little from the eternal clean white sneaker.
Derby test - Jazzette Classic by Constance
The classic Jazzette is an all-leather derby , mounted on a hand-stitched leather sole (this is the famous “Blake” stitching that you know well from BonneGueule). Certainly, it is a stitch that has less prestige than the goodyear stitch, but it allows the shoe to keep a fairly fine line.
Here are the Jazzette "Classic", which I chose to wear in beige.
Available in different materials and different colors, the shoes are made in Portugal, to a level of quality usual for shoes made in this country.
I chose to test the version called " Jazzette Classic Suede Beige Rock ", because beige is a summer color par excellence and easy to match . You will find the men's model here .
The body of the shoe is in Italian suede calfskin , and the ornaments in grained leather (personally, I really like this texture on shoes). The interior lining is in full-grain cowhide leather : very pleasant in contact with the fine skin of the foot! I am very sensitive to this detail, because it is really much more comfortable.
The shoe is therefore two-material: the body of the shoe is in suede calfskin (suede leather) and the upper is in grained leather.
You can easily wear this pair without socks (or like me, with invisible socks), and you don't feel any annoying friction. The laces are classic, and you have a second identical pair in the box (which is always nice)! Last little finishing detail: we find the button on the back of the shoe, in gold plated.
The gold-plated button, for a discreet touch of “bling” 😉
It's not easy for me to choose an outfit for the "Jazzette" test! In fact, I wear them with (almost) everything, and in very diverse looks . Most often I wear them with jeans, a light blouse and a blazer jacket. But for this test shoot, I wanted to show that they fit well with a little summer dress (and also because these days it's very hot, and we don't have air conditioning in the office) .
Here is my summer look, Jazzette on my feet (for those who are interested, the dress comes from Comptoir des Cotonniers).
This suede model is available in four colors (below): beige, but also bright red, royal blue and black; at the boutique price of 180 euros. Considering the work and finishing on these shoes, I think it's a very fair price. The brand offers a good quality/price ratio which, as I mentioned, is characteristic of Portuguese manufacturing.
They are currently on sale , at a price of 144 euros: this is the opportunity to get started!
Here are the four Jazzette “Classic” colors available.
Please note : the "Classic" model runs a little small, this is officially indicated on their sales page. If you are unsure between two sizes, take the larger one ! As far as I'm concerned, I'm a 37 and a half, and I'm very comfortable in the 38 (the 37 would definitely have been too small). This only concerns this model, not that of Florian's sneaker version.
In conclusion, I am very satisfied with this pair of Jazzettes ! I was a little confused at first when I saw the photos, because I don't often wear shoes of this style (I'm more used to ankle boots in winter and sandals in summer), but eventually I got used to it and I love them a lot. They are very popular with those around me!
How do I maintain my Jazzette derbies?
Garçonne & Chérubin recommends regularly waterproofing your Jazzettes (be sure to use a specific spray for those in patent leather). To remove stains from patent leather, use a nail polish remover, then finish with a moisturizing milk for patent leather.
To extend the life of your shoes and, above all, give them better grip , it is also advisable to have a pad placed under the leather sole of your Jazzette Classic.
I haven't had a skid fitted to my Jazzettes, but I think it's better!
In the event of a downpour, avoid drying your Jazzettes near a heat source. Prefer to leave them in the open air and place newspaper or shoe trees there.
Conclusion of the Jazzette test
Garçonne & Chérubin shoes are sold exclusively on the brand's e-shop , and delivered free of charge, worldwide.
Reminder for purchase : the "Classic" model runs small , so take the larger size if you are unsure between two sizes (RAS for the "Sport" model).
Sneaker version or derby version: the choice is yours!
The negative aspects that I have noticed (in my case only, therefore concerning the "Classic" model) are minimal . Firstly, at the first ports, the shoes are quite rigid, and therefore lack flexibility when walking. It hurt a little, but in the end, it didn't last! After 2/3 wearings (only), the shoes adapted to my toes (and I didn't even have a blister!).
Secondly, when François brought us the Jazzettes, he warned me to put a skate on my model. I didn't do it (I admit...) and he was right: they are quite slippery without it. Afterwards, I never go out with it in the rain (it is not recommended to wear suede leather when the drops are falling anyway). So it's pretty much okay, but I wouldn't have fun running on smooth tiles either!
To be completely honest, I can't think of any other criticism to make! I have received a lot of compliments on these shoes , and I really like them too. I like their slightly androgynous side and they are super comfortable (once they are made)! I can walk with it for a long time without worrying about carrying a can of Compeed in my bag.
Note from Florian: I completely share Constance's opinion. I voluntarily wore these shoes intensively for a month, 3 times a week, to give you an opinion that is as close to reality as possible. I enjoy wearing my sneakers: they are very comfortable thanks to a padded sole on the inside. I had a little pain the first time I wore them but nothing too bad: it's often synonymous with quality when leather hurts you. Moreover, the leather ages very well and marks very little. I was a little afraid at first that the leather would tear at the lace loops (no eyelets), but ultimately I have nothing to report.
A brand to recommend , both for you gentlemen and for your significant other!
