At a Whimsy-Filled Cocktail Party, Roger Vivier Celebrated Its Newest Collection

Kiernan Shipka, Gherardo Felloni, Emilia Jones

An artisan was working away on a massive high-heeled shoe at the entrance of Roger Vivier’s spring 2023 fete in Paris, while models and craftspeople frolicked with guests through six different rooms dubbed: “King of the Heel,” “Belle Vivier,” “I Love Vivier,” “Collages,” “Virgule,” Embroideries and Jewel heel.”

Set up as a Parisian hotel particulier, creative director Gherardo Felloni was inspired by what was perhaps his deepest dive into the brand’s archives yet. For years now, the label has been presenting its collections in a party format dubbed Hotel Vivier, replete with live actors that border on camp and interact with guests. But this time, the scene transformed into more of a quiet celebration with just models and artisans. It felt a little more serious, yet still entirely commemorative during the midst of Paris Fashion Week. “It’s all about the icons of the Maison Vivier,” he told us, in the midst of the glittering presentation. “My goal is to look at the archives and make it possible alive and attractive for the women that are living today, in a way.”

Halle Bailey, Kiernan Shipka, Emilia Jones, Camille Razat, Joan Smalls, Ashley Park, India Amarteifio, Coco Rocha, and Maye Musk all floated through the atmospheric rooms and sipped Champagne while viewing the newest pieces from the collection. In one room, black lights lit up the neon of the Viv’ Choc Flowers Bag as an artisan embellished the wall with multicolor strass and crystal gemstone floral motifs.

Felloni was most excited about two things: his version of the Virgule Flowers Bow Sling Back, initially created in 1963, revamped in electric acid yellow and pink, and, seeing his friend, the English actress Emilia Jones, with whom he is planning collaborations in the coming future: “I have always been attracted by actresses and have a kind of cinematographic point of view,” he explained. “I think that this kind of cinematographic feeling and point of view for Vivier is something that really fits with the heritage.”

The duo first met when Felloni let Jones wear some of his shoes for her role in the upcoming Fairyland film. “Filming in Paris wearing Roger Vivier shoes was definitely a bit of a pinch-me moment!” she exclaimed. “I’m also fascinated by the history of Roger Vivier. I love that he was credited with making the first thin stiletto heel….and he made shoes for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.”

As guests clinked their glasses, took selfies with the artisans and all their detailed work, and explored the many immersive rooms full of everything from original collage art to sweet blooming flowers, Felloni’s vision of reinterpreted archives really came to life.