Roger Vivier Unveils A Chic Redux Exhibit

by The Daily Front Row

(PARIS) Last night, guests like Diego Della Valle, Anna Wintour, Mario Testino, Alessandra Facchinetti, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Pierpaolo Piccoli, Giovanna Battaglia, Anna Della Russo, Stefano Tonchi, Robbie Myers, Joe Zee and other bold faced names piled in to see “Virgule, etc…dans le pas de Roger Vivier” at the Palais du Tokyo, a retrospective of the famous French house’s best shoe designs since its inception in the Thirties.

An array of shoes stood ensconced in cases as guests weaved through in awe of the designs. Many viewers were a bit perplexed as to what era some of the shoes belonged to as some that appeared current were in fact, up close much older than they appeared and some that looked from eras that predated the existence of the brand were in fact from the 60s and so on. “I heard that was done on purpose,” divulged Robbie Myers, who’d run a Vivier shoe on the cover of a recent ELLE Accessories issue. In fact, it was on purpose, as creative director Bruno Frisoni later told us. “Olivier Saillard wanted it to be that way. He is one of the best curators today and he has a great way of interpreting things,” said Frisoni.

So how often does Frisoni dig back into the archives when he’s designing? “Many times I look to the archives, but I love the photography more than the pieces,” said Frisoni. “What I wanted to bring to Roger Vivier was continuity, but to really interpret it in my own way and give it new blood.”

Brand ambassador and overall chic Parisienne Inès de la Fressange was seen making her way around the room to greet guests like Roger Vivier owner Diego Della Valle (and even government ministers). What was her favorite shoe? Although she’s rarely not in her classic Vivier flats she told us, “Pierre Bergé lent us a green velvet pump. I’m sure you’ve noticed it. The shape is just perfect and it’s a kitten heel. It’s chic and it’s something other than black. I’m a bad example though, since I’m all in black!” And while social butterfly de la Fressange knew just about everyone in the room, she felt the exhibit was not solely for the set on the premises. “They are all very talented, but they know fashion. I mean I’m happy to be amongst friends, but it’s all the kids in the schools at Saint Martins, FIT, Parsons, and those places that I want to come see the exhibit. I am sure they’re going to be influenced.” We have no doubt! It is a must-see.
PAIGE REDDINGER

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