The late Parisian shoe craftsman Roger Vivier is the stuff of legends.
Other than his much lauded stints working with the biggest names in the industry, including Yves Saint Laurent, his most notable achievement may have been on 2 June 1953 when his creation, a sandal of fine kidskin gold leather, adorned the feet of HM Queen Elizabeth II at her Westminster Abbey crowning.
Fast forward 56 years and Roger Vivier designer, Bruno Frisoni, draws inspiration from that momentous occasion to create a capsule collection for Roger Vivier Autumn/Winter 2009/2010.
Named “A Princess to be Queen”, the collection uses the motif of the original sandal as a base and adopts a regal air worthy of the Queen herself.
Prominently featuring the fleur-de-lis that decorates both the St. Edward crown and the Imperial State Crown, heels and boots are dressed in jewel shades reminiscent of the precious stones which embellish royal regalia.
On the titular “Princess to be Queen” ruby-red stiletto creation, a generous smattering of sequins and gems encrust the heel, toe and ankle straps of the heels.
Less extravagant but no less beautiful numbers include an emerald-green interpretation and a modernistic pink, black and gold version. Ladies may be happy to know that the stilettos have been considerately equipped with a built-in platform to lessen the pinch on the feet.
The capsule collection also features a range of flat-heeled shoes.
“Queenie” presents a line of elegant, simple ballerina pumps dressed in shimmering gold, black or velvety midnight blue. Likewise classic and regal in look is the “Deeside” line of flat boots decorated with the ubiquitous fleur de lis motif.
