Roger Vivier Reopens Prestigious Parisian Headquarters in Historic Mansion
On October 2nd, the prestigious Rive Gauche district of Paris, specifically the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, joyfully welcomed back Roger Vivier. The esteemed house of footwear, leather goods, and jewelry celebrated the grand inauguration of its new Parisian headquarters, simply christened "Maison Vivier." This significant event brought together a galaxy of notable figures, including Naomi Campbell, Laetitia Casta, and Inès de la Fressange, marking a pivotal moment for the brand. Located at 98 Rue de l’Université, the new Maison occupies a magnificent 18th-century private mansion, thoughtfully conceived to foster a harmonious dialogue between the brand's rich heritage and its vibrant contemporary creativity. This homecoming holds particular sentimental value, as it signifies Roger Vivier's return to the very neighborhood where its founder, Roger Vivier himself, resided decades ago, re-establishing a profound connection to its origins.
The historical mansion itself, originally constructed in 1729 by the esteemed royal architect Jacques Gilet de la Fontaine, stands as a testament to nearly three centuries of Parisian history. Its walls have witnessed a remarkable evolution, transitioning from its aristocratic origins to the bourgeois transformations of the 19th century, before eventually passing into the custodianship of the French state. The edifice underwent a thoughtful modernization by François Avignon, who notably added a chapel, further enriching its architectural narrative. Following a meticulous restoration, this grand space now serves as the dynamic hub for the Maison, housing its intricate workshops, invaluable archives, and elegant salons. Beyond the residence's dignified facade, a serene secret garden unfurls, offering a tranquil escape inspired by classical French landscaping principles.
Within its historical walls, the new Maison Vivier headquarters meticulously unfolds across four distinct rooms, each thoughtfully curated to encapsulate the very essence of this nearly century-old house. These exclusive spaces offer a uniquely intimate experience, with access thoughtfully reserved for the Maison’s valued clients. It is through this curated journey that visitors are invited to delve deep into the brand's storied past, witness its iconic creations, and gain insight into its ongoing creative endeavors.
The journey begins with the Heritage Room, the first space beyond the entrance, masterfully conceived by Inès de la Fressange. Here, the house’s most celebrated icons are showcased, presented in a fascinating blend of physical forms and, for those now housed in international museums, innovatively recreated as stunning holograms. Following this tribute to the past, clients enter the Vivier Salon, a space designed to evoke the intimate and sophisticated world of the late designer Roger Vivier, who passed away in 1998. Adorned with chic black-and-white furnishings and artworks, this room subtly recalls the house’s earlier ties to the world of cabaret before its illustrious pivot to high luxury, famously producing pieces for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and creating iconic designs for Dior.
Further exploring the Maison, one discovers the distinguished showroom of Gherardo Felloni, the house’s visionary creative director since 2018. This vibrant space, which also functions as his personal office, serves as the bustling nexus where he and his dedicated team meticulously design the exquisite Roger Vivier collections. The room is characterized by its elegant pink and green tones, which provide a refined backdrop for a striking Chinese Art Deco rug, carefully selected antique armchairs, and a uniquely sculptural desk crafted by Duccio Maria Gambi. Shelves meticulously lined with archival shoeboxes stand as a visual homage to Felloni's early inspirations and his ongoing exploration of the brand's rich history. Finally, the journey culminates in the Maison Vivier’s dedicated archive room. This invaluable repository meticulously preserves over 1,000 unique creations, each accompanied by original sketches, vintage magazines, and historical photographs. Among its many highlights are a rare 1962 prototype crafted for Princess Soraya, significant documents detailing Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation shoes, and the iconic Belle Vivier—a groundbreaking design launched in 1965 for Yves Saint Laurent’s Mondrian collection and indelibly immortalized by Catherine Deneuve in the classic film "Belle de Jour."
