Balagan Icons
10 Products for 10 Years! These iconic models have been with us for years. Discover their stories.
1. Opera
This is the shoe where it all began! Hania still keeps the vintage shoe last on which she and Agata sketched the shape of the shoe, which remains our bestseller to this day. Opera is a model that has become almost synonymous with Balagan and the essence of our aesthetic—minimalistic, timeless, elegant, and unconventional. Opera also marked the beginning of our collaboration with Mr. Andrzej, the shoemaker we still work with today. He was the first of the producers to believe in us and take us seriously. Without him, there would be no Opera and no Balagan. Over the years, we have made Opera in every color of the rainbow, and it looks stunning in each one.
2. Rofe
Our beloved bag, an icon from the start. In the early years, we could hardly keep up with the demand for new models. Its story begins in Agata's mother's wardrobe, where a rugged leather bag from the 70s with a sturdy rail was found, beautifully worn with years of use. Practical and stylish, it became the starting point for designing Rofe. It quickly won your hearts. Now, we offer it in three sizes and many colors.
3. Hug Bag
Over time, Rofe was joined by sisters – Hug Bag and Roha. Hug was inspired by vintage styles as well as fashion trends. It has a short strap for carrying on the shoulder. Hug means circle, and its name comes from its semicircular shape and circular rail. You loved it for its comfort and spaciousness!
4. Lea
We have a deep fondness for this model. It has been crafted in the same place for years, by two shoemakers who hand-stud every pair. This was our first shoe made with no internal reinforcements, making it soft, very comfortable, and perfectly fitting to the foot.
5. Dora
Remember Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz"? Her shoes inspired the Dora model, which also takes its name from her. In the high-heel version, they are the essence of classic and timeless style. It's a model that never gets old. You can see them, for example, in Krzysztof Warlikowski's play "Odyssey. A Story for Hollywood," on the stage as Elisabeth Taylor. Over time, we made a lower version for those who seek a slight lift but prefer to avoid high heels.
6. Pass
The Pass model, a classic Mary Jane style, was created as an evolution of the high-heeled Dora. At Balagan, we break the rules. We don’t use reinforcements in our shoes, which makes them so soft. The leather lining and foam inside the Pass make it very comfortable, so wearing Pass feels like walking on cushions.
7. Tefer
Tefer became an instant favorite. Not surprising, as it’s our first model made using the strobel construction technique on soles that no one else in Poland uses. It’s not traditionally studded but sewn instead; the upper is stitched directly to the insole. That’s why it’s so soft and flexible—you can bend it in any direction. Tefer shoes are made in a small family business, handcrafted by two brothers and their mother.
8. Gala
Gala is a handbag we almost treat like jewelry. It has an elegant boxy shape and a magnetic closure. We were inspired by Hania’s sister’s wallet with a very unique box-like closure and rounded bottom. We analyzed, improved, and tested various solutions until we finally created the current version. It features beautiful wide straps and metal fittings. We put a lot of work and heart into every detail, which makes it special to us.
9. Ritza
For a long time, we had the idea of making a sporty shoe model. Our first attempt was a wonderful vegan collection, which featured not only 99% biodegradable materials but also sporty styles. Later, we collaborated with Novesta, and eventually, Ritza was born. Ritza took a long time to develop due to the difficulty in combining different materials and the mosaic of colors. It combines a beautifully shaped form with a look inspired by vintage sports models.
10. Roma
Roma is a combination of inspiration from our favorite summer Roman sandals, historical footwear from the 19th century, and our studies on different lacing styles. That's how Roma was born, and it instantly became your favorite.