Roger Vivier designed shoes for Her Majesty the Queen’s 1953 coronation. They were made of gold kid leather with a ruby-encrusted heel. Rubies also decorated the fleur de lys on the toe. The heel had an internal hidden platform.
An updated 2022 version of the shoe is now on sale for $3380 from the Paris shop.
Called Vivier Queen Sandals, they are hand-made with a fleur de lys on the front and crystal-covered heel. The buckle is made from rhinestones.
Buy the Vivier Coronation Shoes
The Queen Sandals, a modern copy of the priceless originals, can be found at the official Vivier website.
As he designed for Dior from 1953 to 1963 many of the modern shoes are inspired by his iconic Sixties pumps with buckles. Those were produced for Yves St Laurent and worn by Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour.
Susan Sarandon shows us how to say his name
Susan Sarandon appeared in this French advertisement helping the rest of the world learn how to say Roger Vivier’s name.
Vivier on Twitter
Follow Roger Vivier @rogervivier to find out more about the latest collection from the boutique on the Rue Faubourg Saint-Honore.
The Queen was the Frenchman’s most famous client, but this gifted creator (who gave us the stiletto heel) also produced shoes for Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor – and The Beatles.
The Belle Vivier
The Belle Vivier shoe featuring on the cult Twitter account is a slingback pump in bicolour with the Maison signatures; the big metal buckle and Skyscraper heel.
Roger Vivier (1907-1998) is credited with designing the first platform shoe in 1937 as well as the first stiletto heel in 1954. The new Princess of Wales was seen wearing just such a heel at the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen in September 2022.
