The Tamesis
The Roger Vivier boutique on Madison Avenue was packed with fashion insiders and brand enthusiasts Tuesday night, who gathered to celebrate the launch of the brand’s third Rizzoli book. Roger Vivier: Heritage and Imagination. Like the 311-page book curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, the evening’s theme, hosted by Inès de la Fressange, was all about the brand’s archives.
The decoration style of the store reflects the Mason’s Then and Now; Vivier’s original sketches and Fashion Magazines from 1965 sit alongside the latest collections, while newer books line the windows and display cases. Featuring the brand’s signature Belle Vivier silver buckle and color-blocked panels of yellow, red and blue, its cover is hard to miss.
Upon arrival, guests are immediately drawn to the oversized version of the book displayed in the window. As they flipped through the pages, they saw champagne on a silver tray and Labis From global brand ambassador de la Fressange – who met the late gentlemen Vivier goes back to the 1980s. “Roger Vivier is true luxury and brings something to the table for women,” she explained as attendees browsed the pages. “It’s not about how we help the brand; it’s about how the brand helps us.”
Guests including Tina Leung, Violetta Komyshan, Ronny Kobo, Jacquelyn Jablonski and Bambi Northwood-Blythe used the evening as an opportunity to learn more about the brand (managed by creative director Gherardo Felloni since 2018) and its legacy. “Who is the real Roger,” asks Australian model Northwood-Bryce, hoping these pages will provide some answers. De La Fressange and her daughter Violet Durso made sure there was no shortage of them in the crowd. “Tonight I learned that Roger Vivier was one of the first people to decorate his shoes with floral details at a time when everyone else was keeping it plain,” shared ballerina Komyshan.
These famous embellishments were incorporated into the many accessories prepared for the occasion, with bejeweled clutches, buckled pumps and sparkling pumps appearing in almost every look. “I feel very united and lovable,” Liang told Fashion while pointing at her pink and green rose headband. “My entire outfit and glamor is built around this tiara.”
As the bubbles continued to flow, the entire night took on a vibrant, celebratory energy. It felt less like a formal book launch and more like a real party. “The night was joyful, inspired, but also a little chaotic,” de la Fressange said. Fashion. “That’s the way it is with Wavell, and that’s how the best things happen.”
