For some brands, their definitive motif is a monogram. For the famously inventive and playful Roger Vivier, it’s an oversized geometric buckle.
Inspired by the ones on the footwear of European nobleman of the past, the hardware debuted in 1965 on pumps designed for Yves Saint Laurent (the late Vivier was the shoe designer of choice among many greats – from leading fashion houses such as Dior and YSL to celebrities like the The Beatles). Further immortalised in pop culture history by Catherine Deneuve’s ultra-chic lead character in the 1967 film Belle de Jour (she wore a black pair of pumps featuring said buckle – a style that’s become Roger Vivier’s most iconic), this statement buckle has been continually refreshed and anchors nearly every one of the French luxury label’s bags and shoes.
See, for example, the Jewel Mini Flower Strass Colored Buckle Clutch, on which Roger Vivier’s original squarish buckle is festooned with crystals in a floral pattern and resembles a piece of jewellery – a pretty-meets-glamorous option for evenings. Or the Viv’ Choc Lacquered Buckle Slingback pumps, where the corners of this signature buckle have been rounded then wrapped in glossy patent leather for a hyper-sophisticated take on classically sexy platform pumps (while this adaptation of the buckle might resemble a piece of chocolate, its origins lie in another of Vivier’s archival designs: the 1959 Choc heel, which arches inwards gently, creating a more feminine version of stiletto heels).
Viv’ Choc Lacquered Buckle Slingback pumps in patent leather, $2,060
The newest It bag that features this legendary buckle? The Viv’ Choc (pronounced “shock”), conceptualised by the multidisciplinary and wildly imaginative Gherardo Felloni – Roger Vivier’s present-day creative director. Available in black, blush or Bordeaux red, this small yet roomy design – available at www.rogervivier.com and Roger Vivier boutiques at #B2-71 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and #02-215 Takashimaya S.C. – can be carried as a shoulder bag or clutch and checks off not one, but two of the year’s biggest trends.
Viv’ Choc bag in lambskin leather, $5,960
The newest It bag that features this legendary buckle? The Viv’ Choc (pronounced “shock”), conceptualised by the multidisciplinary and wildly imaginative Gherardo Felloni – Roger Vivier’s present-day creative director. Available in black, blush or Bordeaux red, this small yet roomy design – available at www.rogervivier.com and Roger Vivier boutiques at #B2-71 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and #02-215 Takashimaya S.C. – can be carried as a shoulder bag or clutch and checks off not one, but two of the year’s biggest trends.
For starters, artisans in Roger Vivier’s studios work buttery-soft nappa lambskin like satin to create a puffy, rounded volume, resulting in one of the plushest versions of the ultra-popular padded pillow bag we’ve seen. Adding to its exquisiteness is that a single Viv’ Choc handbag is reportedly made up of a total of 70 different components.
Among these elements is the piece de resistance: a large Viv’ Choc buckle (yes, just like the one on the aforementioned platform pumps) sculpted from resin in the same colour and mounted on by hand. The tone-on-tone effect makes for a minimalist and modern aesthetic that would appeal to those looking for a new symbol of quiet luxury that’s still big on personality.
Just check out this special episode of our ASMR video series starring Mademoiselle Yulia – one of fashion’s favourite DJs and a friend of Roger Vivier who was in town recently for a gig – tinkering with the Viv’ Choc along with some of the maison’s other hero styles. You’ve been warned: Resisting squishing the Viv’ Choc is futile.
Art Direction & Editing Danessa Tong Videography Marisse Caine & Nate Ng Hair EC Tan/Kizuki+Lim Makeup Wee Ming Model Mademoiselle Yulia Vest & headband Roger Vivier All other items of clothing Mademoiselle Yulia’s own
