After having been fascinated with Roger Vivier's gorgeous creations for two years, Thai ladies will have the opportunity to learn more about this legendary brand and what has made it embraced by sophisticated women around the world.
Sophia Loren and her favourite Roger Vivier shoes. photos courtesy of Rizzoli New York (2013)
Held to mark the 80th anniversary of the brand that opened its biggest store in Southeast Asia at The Emporium in Bangkok in 2014, the "Roger Vivier Retrospective Exhibition" will take us back in time to discover the birth of this French brand and how it made its way to become a world leader in luxury footwear and accessories today.
The exhibition is divided into five parts that will recount the history and work of its founder Vivier, who branded the world's first stiletto-heel shoe, unveil his personal collages and sketches from the archive collections, and narrate how the brand has earned the trust from the world's royalty and style icons.
A selection of famous iconic shoes and bags as well as an exclusive collection of nine photos showing Hollywood celebrities sporting Roger Vivier items on the red carpet will also be displayed alongside the actual ones.
Established in 1937, Vivier began to gain attention from modern ladies right after his buckle shoes made its first appearance on the catwalk of the Yves Saint Laurent fashion show in 1953. They became even more popular when actress Catherine Deneuve was spotted wearing them in the classic film Belle Du Jour. The very same year, the French shoemaker once again made a name for himself when he was chosen to design Queen Elizabeth II's coronation shoes.
Embellished with jewellery of various colours to match with her coronation crown, the pair of golden shoes was Vivier 's most delicate and dramatic leather work that required the finest artisanal skill. It is also regarded as the world's best fashion masterpiece of the century.
Since then Vivier was commissioned to make shoes for a number of royals namely Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, the Duchess of Windsor in the UK, the Empress of Iran and Princess Victoria of Sweden.
The list of his prestigious clients includes Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Lauren, Brigitte Bardot, Ines de la Fressange and Carla Bruni.
Vivier buckle shoes have been entering a new era with the perfect sense of design by creative director Bruno Frisoni who understands the heart and soul of his predecessor. He has brought "The Buckle" -- the brand's signature piece -- to the accessory line especially for clutch bags, which have become must-have items for many top celebrities.
-- Patcharawalai Sanyanusin
Queen Elizabeth II's coronation shoes designed by Roger Vivier. Rizzoli New York (2013) The Roger Vivier Retrospective Exhibition will be held at the Emporium Gallery, M floor of The Emporium, Sukhumvit Road, from Aug 29 to Sept 14. Call 02-664-8442.
