Roger Vivier opens at Bal Harbour Shops

In keeping with its policy of international expansion, the French House of Roger Vivier is pursuing its ongoing, global boutique openings by inaugurating its second store in the United States in the presence of  Inès de la Fressange, the Ambassador of the Roger Vivier brand, along with hosts Leticia Herrera Grendene, Ines Rivero and Munisha Underhill.

After Paris, London, Hong Kong, New York and Milan, the new boutique of the famous Roger Vivier label of accessories will be located on the first level of the Bal Harbour Shops, at the very heart of the elegant fashion district. Inès de la Fressange, the ambassador of the Roger Vivier brand, will be present at the grand opening festivities to bring to Miami the echo of a new Parisian spirit, filled with eclecticism and fantasy, on Tuesday December 1st, 2009 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Roger Vivier Bal Harbour Shops Boutique, 
9700 Collins Avenue, Level 1, Bal Harbour, FL

A total surface of 1,000 square feet will showcase the universe of the Brand including, each season’s collection, limited edition product as well at the Haute Couture collection.

A total of 1,000 square feet will showcase the universe of the Brand including, each season’s collection, limited edition product as well at the Haute Couture collection.

Roger Vivier considered art as one of his major sources of inspiration in his designs and was known for his eclectic interiors. Thus, the boutique is a combination of modern and vintage including floor to ceiling millwork and painted walls.  Shoes as well as bags, small leather goods, jewelry and sunglasses, all benefit from a lighting effect similar to that of an art gallery. Built-in alcoves made in Plexiglas also contribute to this unique presentation. These creations mingle with furniture reminiscent of pieces found in a Paris antique store or commissioned from contemporary artists

ABOUT ROGER VIVIER:

The master shoe designer Roger Vivier epitomized invention and a level of creation that brings fashion into the realm of art. For this reason, his shoes are often referred to as the Faberge of Footwear. Vivier worked steadily from the 1930s through the1990s and his craftsmanship and style embodied the innate and unparalleled chic of French fashion. The Vivier name is iconic in the fashion world and still resonates with women who understand the power of true luxury and the importance of style.

From 1953 to 1963 Roger Vivier designed for Dior, and made a name for himself among the fashion cognoscenti. He was the only accessories designer at Dior who ever signed his own name on the Dior label. During this period he created a number of new heel shapes such as the comma heel and the stiletto. Following Dior, he designed for Yves Saint Laurent, where he created the famous Pilgrim Style, silver buckle pump for Catherine Deneuve in the film “Belle De Jour”. Following the success of this film over 120,000 pairs of this shoe were sold, and it became fashion’s most copied shoe.  This shoe, known today as the Belle Vivier, remains a staple in the Vivier collection, and has become a timeless, must-have classic for generations of women.  After his time at Saint Laurent, Vivier went on to open his own Paris boutique in 1963. Diana Vreeland once described Vivier’s clientele as “all the women who loved perfection”. This group included the Duchess of Windsor, Marella Agnelli, Josephine Baker and Maria Callas. Although his shoes appealed to fashion icons such as Jackie O, Twiggy and Babe Paley, he also designed boots for John Lennon, as well as coronation shoes for Queen Elizabeth II.

Roger Vivier died in 1998, and in 2002 Diego Della Valle acquired the Vivier name and brought in famed shoe designer Bruno Frisoni to put a modern twist on this classic luxury brand. A new boutique opened in Paris in 2004. In addition to creating his own signature styles, Frisoni is an expert at adding unexpected touches to signature Vivier concepts and designs such as the comma heel or the open buckle flat. The house of Vivier is not only known for unique, exquisite shoes, but it is also becoming famous for its handcrafted, luxurious bags with delicate beading and embroidery, both for day and evening.

The Vivier label launched in America in Spring 2005 and is available at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, as well as Neiman Marcus in Los Angeles.  The Company will opened its first US flagship on Madison Avenue in New York in early 2007.

Today the brand counts Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Catherine Deneuve among its devoted followers, as well as members of the best-dressed list such as Aerin Lauder, Samantha Boardman, Lauren Santo Domingo and Diane Von Furstenberg.

ABOUT INÈS DE LA FRESSANGE:

Inès de la Fressange was born in Gassin, Var, France.  Her father was French and her mother was an Argentine model.  Following her mother’s footsteps, Fressange began to model in the 1980’s.  She worked with designers such as Kenzo, Mugler, Montana and Lacroix.  However in 1983, Fressange signed a contract to work exclusively for Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, becoming his muse.  Inès saw a great deal of success as a model and became the official face of the “Marianne,” a symbol that represented French patriotism.

She began to model less and in 1994 opened her own boutique on Avenue Montaigne, featuring her own line.  In addition to her clothing collection, she also designed accessories for the home as well as jewelry and footwear.

Inès joined forces with Bruno Frisoni to become the brand ambassador in relaunching Roger Vivier, the luxury footwear and accessories house.  Inès’ knowledge of fashion and innate sense of style were essential to the success that has followed the newly revived brand. The creative force of the duo has created a highly celebrated brand that benefits from a loyal consumer as well as editorial fan base.

Inès now focuses her time on Roger Vivier as the brand’s roving ambassador as well as raising two beautiful girls.

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