“To wear dreams on one’s feet is to begin to give reality to one’s dreams” Roger Vivier
One of the more charming affairs during fashion week is the Roger Vivier cocktail party/open house, held at the Paraguayan Ambassador’s house. It is a rather relaxed presentation of the new collection for the coming fall/ winter season. A long walk on a red carpet (of course) gives entry to the house and a buzz of activity. There is a photo reception setup for arriving guests and a gently curved staircase leading to the show.
Shoes do not lend themselves to models walking a show — they aren’t readily seen! So, what to do? Roger Vivier sets up gorgeous displays of shoes and beautifully coordinating handbags. Boleros, headbands and earrings have a spotlight, as well. This collection has a wonderfully, refreshing 1960’s vibe — fun, colorful and oh, so “ingénu-y” irresistible! Who doesn’t want to feel like Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s?” Fun, sophisticated, simple elegance. As one walks through the spacious rooms, music from ‘60’s movies plays subtly in the background
There is a gigantic, high heeled shoe — black with a pink rose on the open toe — displayed on a riser. It’s the perfect backdrop for photos and everyone from celebrities from film, music and on- line influencers take advantage — including yours truly! This impressive, oversized shoe reminds attendees of the stiletto heel Vivier popularized in 1964 by adding a steel rod to the heel
Also prominently displayed is his invention, the “virgule” (comma shaped ) heel. This inverted curved shaped heel is now a classic and widely copied.
I found the artisans who were there actually creating, by hand, the parts and pieces that go into creating the shoes and bags, the most interesting. I watched intently the meticulous effort to fit material onto the metal buckle and was rewarded with it being presented to me as a gift! Seeing the hand construction and detail that makes a pair of shoes or handbag, is to understand the value and the price. It is why the shoes fit, are comfortable. Crafted in Italy, this very Parisian line adheres to the soul of hand-made excellence. To own a pair of Roger Vivier shoes, is to own comfort! (I, for one, intend to have more comfort in my life).
In Paris, all roads lead to Dior and Roger Vivier designed shoes for Dior from 1953-1963. Dior appreciated – insisted – on well designed shoes to complement his designs and a woman’s style, stating: “you can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes.
A French cocktail party would not be French without champagne! In a serene setting of rooms and outdoor seatings, champagne was served. The outdoor seats were full so Eugénie and I sat inside. It proved to be the perfect spot to observe arriving notables – Inès de le Fressange, designer and model and the model/actress from Game of Thrones, Gwendoline Christie among them.
Roger Vivier combines style, luxury and comfort– a woman’s Purely Personal “dream!”
