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The simple shoe, made from rubber and fabric, was born in Paris back in the 1960s when Bensimon senior started to import clothing from the American army. When young Bensimon joined the business he saw potential in the white canvas shoe. Bensimon Jr. found a way to paint the canvas, without ruining the rubber and by the late sixties the shoes were flying off the shelves, thanks in no small part to women like Brigitte Bardot, Jackie Onassis and Jane Birkin, who were seen wearing them. In recent years, the shoe has enjoyed something of a comeback. Last summer, the millionth pair of shoes were sold. And famous designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Michel Klein, Chanel, A.P.C. and Cacharel have all designed their own version of la Tennis Bensimon. In order to further increase demand, the brand decided to come up with limited-edition versions of the shoes. Only 30 are made, in such diverse material as leather, tweed and suede.