Choose from a variety of styles and colours at the boutique (All photos: Diana Khoo/The Edge)
There are a few non-negotiables when on holiday in the South of France, particularly Saint-Tropez, the historic fishing village turned glamorous coastal playground for the world’s über wealthy. These include drinking copious amounts of rosé (Domaines Ott’s Étoile is quite possibly the ultimate expression of this under-appreciated wine), scarfing down slices of tarte tropézienne (that delectable confection of cream-filled and pearl sugar-topped brioche) and, of course, picking up a few pairs of strappy sandals from Atelier Rondini.
Padding about the town’s cobblestoned alleys or sand-dusted beach clubs in Rondini sandals — hailed as the ultimate French Riviera souvenir — sends out the signal that you embody the laidback chic Saint-Tropez is famous for. A world apart from Cannes’ coiffed sheen or the more budget-friendly (an oxymoron when describing the South of France, let us be honest) Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Trop, as it is sometimes known, first burst onto the global consciousness when a young and nubile Brigitte Bardot starred in Roger Vadim’s legendary 1956 hit, And God Created Woman, here.
Granted, it was the artists — Paul Signac, Henri Matisse and André Derain — who initially encouraged the world to discover this enchanting part of France, soon followed by the writer Colette who settled near the Plage des Salins. But it was only after Bardot launched its mythic promise of sun-kissed hedonism that the megawatt Klieg lights of the international jet-set lit up Saint-Trop. In no time, the open-air market square where locals played pétanque and did their weekly food shopping was joined by movie stars and tycoons. Superyachts began taking up berthing space alongside traditional fishing boats at the port, leading it to be dubbed “Billionaire’s Bay”, and oversized sunglasses became practically uniform for everyone nursing apéros at Sénéquier’s front row.
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But even if one’s net worth does not extend to at least seven digits, an easy way to score instant Tropézienne cachet would be to don a pair of sandals by Atelier Rondini. Founded in 1927 by Dominique Rondini, the boutique at 18 Rue Georges Clemenceau continues to create beautiful handmade sandals that will not bruise your holiday budget. Legend has it Colette was one of its earliest clients and La Bardot famously wore its custom-crafted pairs while more recent icons who support the atelier include Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer.
To this day, in this age of mass production and ubiquity, the Rondini family continues to fight valiantly to preserve its traditional techniques and artisanal quality, unchanged for almost a century! The designs are classic, usually revolving around highly durable flat, slow-tanned leather soles and a quartet (or quintet) of straps that will go the distance in the hot and salty Mediterranean climate. Clients can choose from minimalist, skinny ankle-strapping Bikini design to thick thong-style Sahariennes and a classic Bande Coupée slide as well as more exotic patterns to take you from Saint-Tropez to the Sahara, in style and comfort.
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Fashionistas would, of course, be aware of the other rival brand, K Jacques, also a Tropézienne maison, founded just six years after Rondini. But while K Jacques is globally distributed and a regular collaborator with other design houses, it must be noted that Rondini sandals may only be purchased at the Saint-Tropez store or through its official online shop. It, of course, is always far better to visit in person as in-store customisation is available and you might even be lucky enough to bump into Dominique’s grandson, the affable Alain, who will be only too happy to personally help you pick out your next pair.
To some, Rondini offers just a beautiful, comfortable piece of footwear. To others, it is a testament to family pride and an enduring, even stubborn, belief in the beauty and inimitability of handmade artistry. Whichever way you choose to look at it, wearing a pair of Rondini’s proudly made-in-Saint-Tropez sandals undoubtedly speaks of a summer well spent. What better excuse, then, do you need to indulge?
This article first appeared on Sept 21, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
