Parisian landmarks reimagined as exquisite, wearable works of art
For his latest Pièce Unique collection, Roger Vivier's Gherardo Felloni, shifts his creative gaze from nature's splendor to the architectural grandeur of Paris, crafting a breathtaking homage to the city's most iconic landmarks. Through a meticulous fusion of haute couture techniques and high jewelry craftsmanship, the collection translates the historic beauty of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the Arc de Triomphe, and more into seven one-of-a-kind handbags and three statement vests, all adorned with thousands of hand-set stone, pears, and crystals.
A Love Letter to Paris
"Paris is the city that opened its heart to me and to so many designers", Felloni shared with WWD. "Roger Vivier was a son of Paris". With that in mind, he embarked on a journey to reinterpret the city's defining monuments, translating their graphic lines, textures, and grandiosity into wearable art. "It was fascinating to transition from organic textures to a more structured, architectural aesthetic", he added.
Each piece in the collection is not a literal representation but an artistic abstraction - a luxurious embodiment of Paris splendor that, when taken home, is perceived through texture, craftsmanship, and emotion rather than exact replicas of landmarks.
The Artistry Behind the Collection
The collection's foundation lies in Roger Vivier's Efflorescence Jewel Handle bag, a structured silhouette with a jewel-encrusted handle, a departure from past Pièce Unique editions, which were inspired by the brand's Viv' Choc bag.
From the marble of the Louvre to the gilded interior of the Opéra Garnier, every piece required the expertise of multiple artisans, utilizing diverse embroidery and embellishment techniques. Each bag is individually adorned with thousands of stones and crystals, embodying the opulence of Parisian history and architecture.
Théâtral, inspired by the Opéra Garnier, features a gold satin base, layered with rhinestones, 24-carat gold thread embroidery, and coral embellishments, paying homage to the theater's plush red velvet interiors and ornate scroll motifs.
L’Emblème, dedicated to the Eiffel Tower, presents a three-dimensional effect with smoked topaz beads and red tiger's eye stones, evoking the tower's intricate ironwork and patina over time. It incorporates an astonishing 18,500 beads and crystals to achieve its luminous brilliance.
The Grand Palais - inspired bag mirrors the iconic glass and metal dome, featuring a delicate metallic framework adorned with thousands of hand-set stones, shaped meticulously over wooden molds.
The Arc de Trimophe reimagined: its embossed ceiling and grand arches are transformed into a delicate interplay of embroidered textures and sculptural elements.
Every detail, from the placement of each bead to the structural integrity of the metallic components, has been meticulously crafted to echo Parisian magnificence.
The Intersection of Fashion and Heritage
Felloni’s vision blurs the lines between fashion, jewelry, and architecture, drawing parallels between Paris’s landmarks and Roger Vivier’s avant-garde legacy. “He was one of the first designers to incorporate pearls, gold embroidery, and intricate embellishments into shoes,” he reflected.
By marrying heritage with modern craftsmanship, the Pièce Unique collection transforms the city’s cultural and architectural DNA into tangible luxury—pieces that are both timeless and profoundly personal.
Through this latest creation, Felloni has once again demonstrated that couture is not merely about garments, but about storytelling, artistry, and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship.
