Vivier, Roger

(1913-1998)

   Born in Paris, he first opened his shoe company in 1937 but later closed it to serve during World War II. Vivier designed shoes for Delman and had a brief stint designing millinery before designing shoes for Christian Dior in 1953. In 1963, he reopened his own salon in Paris. He is best known for his heel shapes: the comma, ball, needle, pilgrim, spool, pyramid, thorn, and escargot. His shoes are described as the "Fabergé of footwear," and he is also credited with the invention of the stiletto in 1954. The company was bought by Diego Della Valle of Tod's in 2000 with designer Bruno Frisoni appointed as creative director.