New Designer To Know: Gherardo Felloni

‘’Roger Vivier is the absolute reference of luxury shoes. I have always been fascinated by him and its master of modernity, its ultimate chic and its endless creativity. I feel honoured to be part of Roger Vivier today and develop it further, respecting its heritage and tradition while adding a contemporary and modern take, something Mr. Vivier has always demonstrated.’’ — Gherardo Felloni

Maison Roger Vivier has announced that Gherardo Felloni will be taking over Bruno Frisoni. So who is the new Italian? Here are three things to know about the Parisian house’s new Creative Director:

1. Shoemaking is in Felloni’s family. His upbringing consisted of him spending years learning the craft of shoemaking in his father’s factory in Arezzo, Italy. Putting aside his initial dream of being an architect, this footwear designer began his career interning at Prada before working in luxury fashion houses such as Fendi and Helmut Lang. Shortly after joining Miu Miu in 2003, he was appointed the head of leather accessories and shoes. From 2009 to 2014, he  headed Dior’s shoe collections, working under both John Galliano and later Raf Simons, before returning to Miu Miu.

2. He is a new-gen Renaissance man. As is evident by his Instagram feed — he posted Mommie Dearest’s Joan Crawford as a “mood” — he spends his days surrounded by art, photographing architecture and updating his followers on recent acquisitions in his antique jewellery collection.

3. He can pull off a moustache with panache. Teaming oxford shirts and crew necks with bejewelled collars and layered necklaces, he takes classic staples to the next level.

We are already looking forward to his first Roger Vivier Spring 2019 collection this September.

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