Paris-based accessories label Roger Vivier has a timeline cluttered with inventions, innovations and a host of memorable moments with royalty and celebrities alike.
The brand’s travelling exhibition, Icons Connected, has just made its UAE stop, at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Its fashion ambassador and legendary Parisian style icon, Ines de la Fressange will be in attendance at the launch on Tuesday, October 11.
Shoemaker Roger Vivier founded the namesake French maison in 1937, and his talent was later sought out by Christian Dior in 1953, when the couturier launched a footwear division.
Vivier’s iconic creations have been fitted to the royal feet of Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation day in 1953, Princess Soraya of Iran during her 1961 visit to Paris, and Sweden’s Queen Silvia and Princess Victoria for the princess’s wedding ceremony in 2010.
He has dressed numerous Hollywood celebrities, and is also credited for designing the first stiletto, the 8cm high Aiguille stiletto, in 1954.
The Icons Connected exhibition will showcase 11 displays spread around The Great Room. These will encase some of the brand’s most iconic pieces — from Queen Elizabeth’s coronation footwear to Elizabeth Taylor’s 1963 shoes and Brigitte Bardot’s 1967 thigh-high boots. The exhibition will explore the brand’s historical highlights, as well as the transformation of Vivier’s signature buckle design, which was launched in 1965 and was popularised through the 1967 film Belle du Jour, when they were worn by actress Catherine Deneuve.
Today, the emblematic buckle can be seen in a crystal-encrusted design, atop of skater-style trainers, dubbed “Sneaky Viv” and worn by a younger generation of celebrities that include Olivia Palermo.
In 2003, Diego Della Valle, owner of Tod’s Group, bought the Roger Vivier name. Bruno Frisoni was appointed creative director, and has given a fresh uplift to the accessories label, while keeping its heritage style intact.
Roger Vivier’s Icons Connected exhibition will run until October 25 at The Galleria.
hlodi@thenational.ae
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
Company%C2%A0profile
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Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
A general guide to how active you are:
Less than 5,000 steps - sedentary
5,000 - 9,999 steps - lightly active
10,000 - 12,500 steps - active
12,500 - highly active
The biog
Siblings: five brothers and one sister
Education: Bachelors in Political Science at the University of Minnesota
Interests: Swimming, tennis and the gym
Favourite place: UAE
Favourite packet food on the trip: pasta primavera
What he did to pass the time during the trip: listen to audio books
Hotel Silence
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Pushkin Press
