S T Y L E & D E S I G N
The Man Who Invented Stilettos
Roger Vivier's handcrafted shoes are back in a private Parisian salon
By Kate Betts
Monday, February 9, 2004
"We don't want this to be just like every other boutique," says
Ines de la Fressange, a former Chanel model who has taken over
the direction of the relaunch of Roger Vivier's eponymous line of
couture shoes. Vivier, who is credited with inventing some of the
greatest footwear of his time--stilettos, thigh-high boots and
the famous square-toed pump that Catherine Deneuve wore in Belle
de Jour--believed in exceptional craftsmanship. So when Diego
Della Valle, owner of Tod's shoes and bags, among other luxury
labels, bought the Vivier name and decided to reinvent it, he
hired designer Bruno Frisoni to add a touch of modernity to
Vivier's great classics. Among the shoes on display in the
charming Faubourg St.-Honore shop (where 18th century commodes
are mixed with flea-market finds in Vivier's eclectic style) are
gold alligator Grecian sandals, pink leopard-print boots and
green satin stilettos with red chiffon roses. Although the
collection can be found only in the Paris boutique, clients can
custom-order shoes. "Vivier really invented the fashion
accessory," says Fressange. "He was ahead of his time. He made
shoes for the Queen of England, John Lennon and also for a
mass-market chain." These models, though, are strictly for
aficionados.
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