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 designingmillinerybefore designing shoes forChristian Diorin 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 offootwear," and he is also credited with the invention of thestilettoin 1954. The company was bought byDiego Della ValleofTod'sin 2000 with designer Bruno Frisoni appointed ascreative director.