In the heart of Paris, within the legendary Salle d’Argent of the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Roger Vivier‘s boutique has once again become the stage for an extraordinary fashion event. Creative Director Gherardo Felloni recently introduced the brand’s second ‘Pièce Unique’ collection, a dazzling array of bespoke creations unveiled during the Spring Summer 2024 Haute Couture season. This year’s theme transports us into a whimsical world, where couture and craftsmanship converge in a spectacular floral fantasy.
BAGS
The collection’s showcase, set against the boutique’s iconic silvered walls, is a testament to Roger Vivier’s enduring commitment to beauty and artisanship. Epic bouquets of fresh flowers soar upwards, creating a joyful celebration that serves as the backdrop for the unveiling of the ‘Pièce Unique’ evening handbags. These exquisite pieces, shimmering amidst the vibrant flora, are crafted into fantastical botanical shapes, each one showing the maison’s innovative spirit.
A highlight of the collection is the Viv’ Choc handbag, reimagined in unique artisanal interpretations. This draped shoulder bag features a chain strap and a turnkey lock, embodying luxurious design through its romantic architectural form. The handbag’s sensual buckle, a reinterpretation of Roger Vivier’s iconic design, and its curved corners pay homage to Monsieur Vivier’s ‘Choc’ heel, first introduced in 1959.
Gherardo Felloni draws inspiration from a classical garden of otherworldly beauty, incorporating flowers from across the globe. This botanical muse informs the collection’s design, with the Viv’ Choc handbag’s fluid architecture and bold buckle taking center stage. Hand embroidery, a hallmark of Roger Vivier’s legacy, celebrates the delicate and intricate craftsmanship synonymous with haute couture accessory design.
The collection features a variety of classical flowers, including roses, lilies, daisies, violets, nigellas, and cactus dahlias, all meticulously recreated in vibrant colors and three-dimensional forms. Each Pièce Unique piece showcases the atelier’s mastery over a range of techniques, from silk petal nigellas with feather pistils to hand-painted feathers and iridescent sequins that mimic the natural beauty of a spring meadow.
Felloni’s personal jewellery collection serves as another source of inspiration, with flowers set ‘en tremblant’ against luxurious backdrops, and motifs that pay tribute to the noble mythology of the lily. The collection’s artisanal flair extends to the hardware of the Viv’ Choc handbag, with innovative embellishments elevating the signature Roger Vivier buckle and decorative chain straps to new artistic heights.
In addition to the handbags, the collection includes a romantic series of Pièce Unique waistcoats, further evolving the Roger Vivier silhouette. These garments, requiring up to 100 hours of hand craftsmanship, feature exquisite floral embroideries that resonate with the motifs of the handbag collection, showcasing the maison’s dedication to comprehensive accessorizing.
