Roger Vivier is taking a major step forward—or perhaps back to its roots. During Paris Haute Couture Week, the house unveiled L’Atelier des Papillons, its Autumn/Winter 2026-27 Pièce Unique collection, introducing the Maison’s very first couture sneaker.

Designed by Creative Director Gherardo Felloni, the collection marks an important moment for Roger Vivier. While Pièce Unique has become known for one-of-a-kind handbags and intricately embellished accessories, this season shifts the spotlight back to footwear—the category that made Monsieur Roger Vivier one of fashion’s most influential shoe designers.

Rather than feeling like a surprising addition, the couture sneaker feels like a natural evolution. Felloni reimagines a sneaker silhouette he originally introduced in 2018, elevating it through the same meticulous craftsmanship traditionally reserved for haute couture pieces. The result is a shoe that bridges contemporary design with the Maison’s rich heritage.

Throughout the collection, butterflies remain the defining motif. Long associated with Roger Vivier’s archives, the symbol has appeared across decades of designs, from embroidered creations for Christian Dior to sculptural heels and jeweled embellishments. Here, Felloni gives the butterfly new life through hand embroidery, painted feathers, crystals, macramé, sculpted metalwork, and delicate organza. Every piece is created as a unique interpretation, ensuring no two designs are exactly alike.

The collection’s standout accessories continue that artistic approach. The Efflorescence Jewel Bag features sculptural butterfly wings crafted from intricate beadwork and fringe, transforming the bag into something that feels as much like an art object as an accessory.

Footwear also receives a couture treatment beyond the sneaker. Felloni revisits the iconic Choc Pump, originally introduced by Roger Vivier in 1959, decorating the signature curved heel with hand-painted florals and richly embroidered detailing. Each pair feels like a miniature canvas, showcasing the artistry of the Maison’s ateliers.

The debut of a couture sneaker also reflects a broader shift in luxury fashion. Rather than limiting haute couture craftsmanship to traditional evening shoes, Roger Vivier embraces the idea that exceptional artistry can elevate even the most everyday silhouettes. The sneaker maintains the elegance and refinement expected from the house while introducing a more contemporary perspective.

Presented inside Maison Vivier’s Paris salons, L’Atelier des Papillons paired the finished collection with archival sketches, historical shoes, and original embroidery samples, highlighting the dialogue between Roger Vivier’s legacy and Felloni’s modern vision.

More than simply introducing a new silhouette, L’Atelier des Papillons celebrates the Maison’s identity as a shoemaker while proving that couture craftsmanship continues to evolve. With its first couture sneaker, Roger Vivier demonstrates that tradition and innovation don’t have to compete—they can walk side by side.