Courtesy of Roger Vivier
In the film directed by Italian director Nicolangelo Gelormini, Academy Award-winning actress Laura Dern plays a lone traveler on the blush-toned seats of a steam train, where she meets the longing gaze of a stranger who sits opposite.
When the legacy of French fashion house Roger Vivier is so steeped in cinema, it is only natural that they continue on that path. These ties began with French actress Catherine Deneuve in Luis Buñuel’s 1967 film Belle de Jour, where her character Séverine pranced in pairs of their now-signature buckled patent leather pumps.
Since his appointment in 2018, creative director Gherardo Felloni has spurred the release of several short films that pay homage to Hollywood, French and European cinema, and its stars, casting Isabella Rossellini, Isabelle Huppert, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, and even Deneuve herself in his vivid settings and humorous storylines. Today, Felloni announces the addition of a new series to his ode to classics, “Vivier Express: Travelling Icons,” with its first episode starring Oscar-winning actress and house muse Laura Dern.
“Laura Dern is an actress with a rare charisma,” Felloni said. “I am obsessed [with] the David Lynch films she has acted in, so she has often been an inspiration for me. I am extremely honored that she decided to collaborate with Roger Vivier on this project highlighting the Maison’s icons.”
In the short film directed by Nicolangelo Gelormini and written by Andrea Danese, she slouches on the crushed velvet seats of a steam train whisking through dreamscapes. Dern catches the gaze of the mysterious stranger who sits opposite, sketching amid their silent exchange. In transit, she wears the I Love Vivier pumps and carries the Viv’ Choc handbag, of which its lush, puffed leather plays a minor role.
Below, Dern talks to the fashion house about their new collaboration and how the intersection of fashion and film breeds creativity.
Roger Vivier: What was your introduction to the Roger Vivier brand?
Laura Dern: Watching the film Belle De Jour and seeing my first Roger Vivier shoes worn by Catherine Deneuve.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes anecdotes or memorable moments from filming and shooting the Roger Vivier projects?
It was a torrential rainstorm when we filmed and it felt like sacrilege to have to wear an old pair of rubber boots while in the company of Gherardo but I had to do anything and everything to protect these shoes!
Do you feel there is an alignment between acting and design?
I’ve always felt there is. I’ve made a few lifelong friendships with some of our greatest designers because they are as focused on identity and style like actors when creating characters and like me trying to discover what kind of woman I am playing.
How do you think the collaboration between fashion and film can influence culture and creativity?
Somehow, it always has and continues to. They are the deepest influences for me as an actress and as a person in the world of fashion. When it comes to a great designer like Gherardo, he is a storyteller and so in some ways it’s the same vocation.
You were personally chosen to shoot the first episode of the Vivier Express project, focusing on icons, by Gherardo Felloni himself. How do you feel about being part of his vision for this short film?
I love Gherardo and Roger Vivier deeply, so as an admirer, I was thrilled to be part of it and to thank a brand that deeply inspired me in considering what a woman is…
What role do you believe fashion accessories play, both in film and in everyday life?
They are a huge part of a character for me and I’ve loved how they’ve played a part in shaping stories. For everyday life, when it comes to women in fashion, I don’t think anyone’s primary love wouldn’t be shoes or a bag.
Can you share any upcoming film projects you’re excited about?
Having just produced a television series for Apple TV+, Palm Royale, I am currently filming a movie in London written and directed by Noah Baumbach.
Given Roger Vivier’s rich history with film, including iconic appearances of its products in movies like Belle de Jour, and Gherardo Felloni’s collaborations with renowned actresses, how do you feel this heritage influenced the storytelling and aesthetic of the first episode of the Vivier Express project?
Cinema loves Roger Vivier and the brand has become iconic within it. Gherardo loves film like my favorite filmmakers love film, so it’s a seamless collaboration, and you feel the influences in his vision.
