
Interview with Gherardo Felloni: "Elevated sportswear represents the evolution of women"
The creative director told us everything about the new sneaker from Roger Vivier, the Viv' on the Run

January 28th, 2025
Roger Vivier never ceases to amaze us. This time, it does so with a sneaker: the Viv' on the Run. It's a comfortable, playful, and free-spirited shoe that celebrates style without compromising movement. The campaign features French actress Lou Lampros, who leaves her Paris apartment with a mysterious box. Stuck in traffic in her car, she decides to open it: inside, she finds the Viv' on the Run. She takes off her high heels and slips on the new sneakers, perfect for confidently navigating the streets of Paris. A simple yet impactful campaign that highlights the modernity of this model, its challenge to conventions, its desire to redefine codes, and its representation of the contemporary woman who is always on the move. We spoke with Gherardo Felloni, the French fashion house’s creative director. Here's what he shared with us.
Interview with Gherardo Felloni, Creative Director of Roger Vivier
How did the idea for a sophisticated yet practical and contemporary sneaker come about?
The idea for the Viv' on the Run stemmed from the desire to meet the needs of contemporary women without ever sacrificing the identity of luxury. We live in an era where practicality and style are no longer opposites but complementary. I wanted to create a sneaker that lives up to Roger Vivier's legacy in terms of design and craftsmanship, while also speaking the language of modernity. It's a balance that requires a lot of thought but is essential to expanding the Vivier woman's wardrobe.
Was it difficult to combine these elements?
Yes, combining functionality, sophisticated aesthetics, and artisanal tradition was an exciting challenge. Sneakers are often seen as casual accessories, but our mission was to overturn that perception. The Viv' on the Run embodies the maison's expertise: elegant lines, premium materials, and unique details like the iconic buckle. We didn't settle for creating a sneaker that's just belle à voir; instead, it's a piece that blends beauty with comfort, capable of accompanying a woman from morning to evening.
What sets the Viv' on the Run apart from other sneakers?
The Viv' on the Run tells a story of timeless luxury while embracing contemporary energy. Our buckle is a signature element, reinterpreted with a modern twist yet rooted in Vivier's tradition. Additionally, every detail – from the materials to the stitching – is designed to provide a true luxury experience, not just aesthetically but also tactilely and functionally. Monsieur Vivier's work was about creating dreams, and my goal is to continue crafting those dreams for a new generation, blending timeless craftsmanship with a forward-looking vision.
Do you think this resurgence of elevated sportswear is a direct result of lifestyle changes, especially for women?
Absolutely. Women today lead increasingly dynamic lives where time is precious, and their roles are multifaceted. They want clothing and accessories that adapt to their needs without sacrificing elegance and personality. Elevated sportswear responds to this evolution: it's a way to combine movement, functionality, and style. The Viv' on the Run is our contribution to this new era of luxury, where comfort isn't a compromise but an essential element.
Who is the ideal Roger Vivier woman today? What defines her?
The Roger Vivier woman is eclectic, confident, and always elegant, but never ostentatious. She sees fashion as a form of personal expression, not an imposition. She can be romantic or bold but is always authentic. We’ve expanded the Vivier wardrobe to meet her varied needs. Every creation is designed to accompany her at every moment of her day.
How did this wonderful collaboration with actress Lou Lampros come about? Will it continue in the future?
Lou Lampros perfectly embodies the Vivier woman: young, versatile, and with a style that exudes authenticity. The collaboration came about naturally, and Lou brought a fresh, modern energy to our storytelling. I can’t reveal any future details yet, but we would certainly love to further explore this synergy.
The references seem to be to the '90s and early 2000s. Is this nostalgia, or is it about finding a new perspective in the "old"?
It's not just nostalgia; it's about reinterpretation. The '90s and 2000s were periods of great experimentation, and there's a charm in revisiting elements from those times and reimagining them with a fresh perspective. The key is making them relevant for today. The Viv' on the Run, with its nods to past aesthetic codes, is a perfect example of this philosophy: a celebration of tradition evolving toward the future.
What else inspires your work?
My inspiration is very eclectic: from art history to cinema, architecture, and design. I’m inspired by the details of past eras but also by contemporary innovations. I love observing people, their gestures, and how they live their everyday lives. Every creation is born from a dialogue between these worlds.
What does the future hold for Roger Vivier?
The future of Roger Vivier is built on constant evolution. We are working to expand our universe while respecting our heritage. This means creating products that resonate with modern women while reflecting the maison’s unmatched savoir-faire. We’ll continue to explore new territories without ever losing sight of our essence: artisanal luxury and innovation that make every creation unique.