Bal Harbour

80 BAL HARBOUR Here, the Belty Viv' belt bag and RV Broche bracelet; opposite, a still from the short-film campaign, starring Susan Sarandon and AnnaSophia Robb, seen here wearing Trés Vivier metal buckle pumps and the RV Mini bag. "I love that there is no other accessories maison that has this kind of historical value and legacy." With an avid international following, evolving the brand to attract a new audience while still appealing to loyalists is a fashion tightrope. But for Felloni—whose CV includes footwear and accessory design posts at Miu Miu (where he dreamt up their feathery footwear confections in candy hues) and Christian Dior under John Galliano—following his instincts has proved fruitful. He mentions his foray into sneakers with the bestselling Viv' Run as a risk that's thankfully worked. "is was the maison's first sports shoe—it is comfortable and aerodynamic, but still shows the DNA of the maison through the buckle and the shape of the Choc heel," he says, noting that seeing it worn on clients of all ages is immensely gratifying. "My goal is to accompany the maison as it evolves and to keep the innovative side of Roger Vivier alive. Our values, such as luxury, creativity and lightheartedness, are always in my mind when I design. It's just a question of making the collection relevant and contemporary." is approach is also evident in the way Felloni voraciously consumes culture—be it bingeing on the Netflix sci-fi series Stranger ings or working in a vacuum of classical music. His layered creative process also includes immersing himself in the RV treasure trove. "When I took this role, the most beautiful surprise was the archives. ey are bigger and with so much more variety than I thought possible," he says. "I love that there is no other accessories maison that has this kind of historical value and legacy." While that might be up for debate depending on which shoe lover you speak to, there is no dispute that the brand's ultra-feminine silhouettes and novelty fabrications continue to find a happy home in South Florida. Felloni has his own theory as to why Vivier resonates so well here. "Miami is such a vibrant city that is closely related to the arts," he says, noting that Monsieur Vivier himself studied sculpture and was an avid collector. "I am also an art enthusiast—I love architecture, I am very passionate about Art Deco and love antique jewelry," adds the designer, who has a penchant for rings and necklaces and favors a theatrical sartorialism that makes him appear to have stepped out of a Toulouse-Lautrec painting. "is love for art has always influenced the maison and I think it must be a part of what makes Roger Vivier resonate in this city." COURTESY OF ROGER VIVIER

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