Centuries of progress and forward-thinking excellence collide in Paris: the city of love, and the home of Haute Couture and Maison Vivier. Designed by creative director Gherardo Felloni, the latest chapter in the Pièce Unique journey pays romantic homage to the city’s most iconic locations—not as literal replicas but as modern and contemporary interpretations of Parisian monuments—taking the Efflorescence Jewel Handle bag as its noble canvas for the very first time.

Presented within the silver-lined walls of the Salle d’Argent, in Roger Vivier’s boutique on the rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, a cinematographic installation appears. Graphic, beveled frames enshrine each Pièce Unique creation in ornate architectures, echoing the textures of Parisian landmarks harking back to the 18th and 19th centuries—buildings and ideas that stand as timeless symbols of beauty and savoir-faire, holding immense symbolic meaning by defining Paris and making it instantly recognizable across the globe.

Honing in on the minutiae of fine details and the sacred geometries intrinsic to these monuments, Gherardo Felloni unveils three gilets and seven extraordinary designs that elevate the Efflorescence Jewel Handle bag to new heights of showstopping craft. In a tale that crosses the wide avenues and boulevards of Paris between the Tour Eiffel and the Arc de Triomphe into the Beaux-Arts splendor of the Grand Palais and the textures of the Tuileries and nearby Place Vendôme, each softly folded rectangular bag with its arched handle and floral buckle represents a unique facet of the city’s beauty expressed in resplendent craftsmanship and high jewellery artistry.

Expert embroidery, including zardozi gold thread and 3D beading, brings depth and texture to the designs, while cascades of pearls, shimmering crystals, and sculptural embellishments add a sense of movement and light. The use of satin bases in rich tones serves as the perfect canvas for these elaborate details, whether evoking the grandeur of marble, the patina of metal, or the delicacy of ornamental ironwork. Each piece is further elevated by jewelled top handles and sculpted Efflorescence buckles, which incorporate elements like natural stones, horn inlays, and pavé crystals.

A resplendent triptych of waistcoats continues the unique dialogue between the Pièce Unique collection and Roger Vivier’s world of savoir-faire. Mirroring three of the bag designs, each precious gilet—in cream, emerald, and gold respectively—evolves the meticulous techniques of the Roger Vivier ateliers into exceptional heirloom garments. By drawing inspiration from the symbolic monuments that define Paris, these designs resonate deeply with the city’s identity and elevate its architectural essence into unparalleled handcrafted artistry.

THÉÂTRAL 

This bag takes its inspiration from the Opéra Garnier in Paris, a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture designed by Charles Garnier and completed in 1875. The building’s ornate design and lavish details served as muse for the bag’s intricate craftsmanship and opulent aesthetic. The gold satin base of the bag is entirely hand-embroidered using a layered technique. The foundation layer features an elegant texture created with tiny rhinestones, microbeads, and gold accents, while the upper layer is created using the zardosi technique, through which intricate foliage patterns and rosettes are crafted and then applied to the base with 15 meters of 24-karat gold thread, adding a luminous and precious dimension. The two layers are seamlessly united by the exquisitely detailed edge of the bag which incorporates three unique techniques: red strings of beads, natural coral embellishments, and handmade rhinestone leaves crafted with a double-faced embroidery method. The interior of the bag is lined with opulent gold and deep crimson hues, evoking the grandeur of the opera house. The handle is handcrafted with a braided tubular chain, offering both strength and elegance while the Efflorescence buckle is adorned with hand-set natural Rainbow Jasper stones carved into semispheres, accompanied by sparkling rhinestones. This creation, including around 1900 red crystals and 160 natural coral embellishments, required 75 hours of meticulous handcrafting.

PORTAIL DORÉ 

This bag takes its inspiration from the Tuileries Garden in Paris. A historic park originally commissioned by Queen Catherine de’ Medici in 1564 as part of the Tuileries Palace, the garden was redesigned in its iconic formal style by landscape architect André Le Nôtre in 1664. Known for its meticulously manicured lawns and decorative gates, the Tuileries Garden is a masterpiece of French landscape design and serves as the creative foundation for this extraordinary piece. The chosen technique for this bag is an ancient artisanal method, akin to the craftsmanship behind the gates of the Tuileries Garden. Every element that composes the bag—leaves, twisted wires, and perforated circular motifs—was designed and handcrafted individually. The design for the base, fully crafted by hand, was first created flat and then shaped using two custom-made wooden molds: one for bending the body of the bag and another for forming the flap. Each separate part was then meticulously polished and cleaned before being assembled. Two rounds of polishing were performed: the first was followed by manual engraving to create detailed veins on the leaves, and the second was a final polishing and galvanization, to ensure a flawless finish. Inside the metal structure, a satin clutch, hand-embroidered with black crystal baguettes, adds an opulent touch. The iconic Efflorescence buckle is decorated with hand-applied onyx stones and golden crystal rhinestones. The handle, crafted with a handwoven tubular chain and black leather, completes this exquisite creation. This bag required an exceptional 200 hours of meticulous craftsmanship to bring its elegance to life.

PALAIS ROYAL 

This bag draws its inspiration from the Louvre in Paris, a masterpiece of art and architecture. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, the Louvre was transformed into a royal palace and ultimately a museum. The building, as it stands today, owes much of its design to architects Pierre Lescot and Claude Perrault, with significant contributions completed by 1670. The bag captures the timeless elegance and grandeur of this iconic structure and is crafted from hand-embroidered white satin. The fabric is first gathered and sculpted by hand, creating volumes and folds reminiscent of a marble sculpture. Pearls of varying sizes and lusters are then meticulously selected and applied to enhance the three-dimensional effect, while smoky crystals are added to simulate the delicate veining of marble. The edges feature an exquisite fringe composed of different sized pearls and transparent beads. The handle is created in two stages: a metal structure provides strength and shape, while natural horn is carved and polished by hand to complete the design. The Efflorescence buckle, in a light gold finish, is adorned with pearls and rhinestones, crafted using high-jewelry techniques for a luxurious touch. This creation, including approximately 9500 pearls, beads and crystals, required 85 hours of meticulous handcrafting.

VERT DE GRIS

This bag is inspired by the Place Vendôme column in Paris. Designed by architects Jacques Gondouin and Jean-Baptiste Lepère, the column was completed in 1810 and is renowned for its intricate basrelief carvings and commanding presence. The bag’s design mirrors the column’s majestic elegance and detailed artistry. Embroidery is meticulously crafted on a green satin base, to recreate the column’s iconic bas-relief. This effect is achieved through a combination of techniques, materials, and color layering. The base is decorated with microbeads in varying shades of green to create depth and texture. On the second layer, crystals are added for highlights, while higher-relief details are defined by strings of tubular beads. On the uppermost surface of the bag, intricate cord edges divide the rows of embroidery while the edges of the bag are adorned with beaded embroidery concealing the bag’s seams and adding a refined finish. The handle is designed to reflect the monument’s graphical details, featuring 500 hand-set rhinestones that shimmer with brilliance. The Efflorescence buckle is crafted entirely by hand, using high-jewelry techniques and shades which harmonize with the embroidery. This creation, including approximately 20.000 different elements between beads, crystals and sequins, required60 hours of meticulous handcrafting.

L’EMBLÈME

This bag draws its inspiration from the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, designed by the renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889. The tower’s intricate iron latticework and timeless elegance have influenced every aspect of this bag’s design, merging architectural brilliance with artisanal craftsmanship. The bag features a satin base, meticulously hand-embroidered with tiny black beads that create a silky, textured feel. A layer of padding beneath the embroidery adds a subtle three-dimensional effect. An intricate net of smoked-topaz faceted beads is first handcrafted separately using a unique intaglio technique: beads are embroidered onto an organza base, then carefully cut to form precise geometric patterns before being applied to the bag. The overlay is securely attached at key points for a flawless finish.

The edges of the bag are beautifully detailed with a double-faced embroidery of small faceted beads. The handle, crafted using jewelry-making techniques, features approximately 550 handset rhinestones, showcasing exceptional artistry. The centerpiece, an Efflorescence buckle, is crafted from natural red tiger’s eye stones carved into rounded shapes, paired with smoked-amber rhinestones. This creation, including approximately 18.500 different elements between beads and crystals, required 60 hours of meticulous handcrafting.

GRANDE VERRIÈRE

This bag draws its inspiration from the Grand Palais in Paris, an architectural marvel completed in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle. Designed collaboratively by the architects Henri Deglane, Albert Louvet, Albert Thomas, and Charles Girault, the Grand Palais is celebrated for its Beaux-Arts style, intricate iron and glass construction, and the iconic nave with its expansive glass roof. The bag employs a fine-wire netting technique, shaped using two hand-carved wooden molds, to mirror the architectural style of the Grand Palais. At each central junction of this metal structure a setting is crafted to house a single crystal, while the sides of the bag are designed to replicate patterns present on the ornate doors of the Grand Palais. Inspired by the light filtering through the palace’s glass roof, a small clutch, placed inside the metal shell, was created and fully embroidered by hand with crystal baguettes beads. The handle is crafted using the same fine-wire technique used for the body of the bag, while the Efflorescence buckle features natural green fluorite stones, adding a refined and organic elegance. This bag, including approximately 2000 beads and crystals, required 100 hours of meticulous work.

TRIOMPHE

This elegant bag draws its inspiration from the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a monument symbolizing French national pride and triumph, designed by architect Jean Chalgrin and completed in 1836. With its neoclassical design, intricate reliefs, and grandeur, the Arc de Triomphe serves as the creative muse for this exquisite piece. The bag is crafted from light gold satin and entirely hand-embroidered. The selection of diverse embroidery elements brings the arch’s color and texture to life. The threads used for the embroidery of this design play a pivotal role as, though transparent beading, they create varying tones and volumes. The embroidery design, hand-drawn to replicate the monument’s geometries, is enriched with nine metal flowers, akin to jewelry, inspired by the intricate ceiling architecture of the Arc. The bag is bordered with delicate fringes of freshwater pearls, adding a luxurious touch. The handle represents the Arc de Triomphe, finished in aged gold and adorned with rhinestones in two complementary shades, applied by hand. The clasp features natural Picture Jasper stones, carved into pearl shapes and crafted using fine jewelry techniques. This exceptional piece, embodying the majesty of the Arc de Triomphe, required 45 hours of meticulous craftsmanship to complete.

VERT DE GRIS - GILET

This gilet is inspired by the Place Vendôme column in Paris. Designed by architects Jacques Gondouin and Jean-Baptiste Lepère, the column was completed in 1810 and is renowned for its intricate bas-relief carvings and commanding presence. The gilet’s design mirrors the column’s majestic elegance and detailed artistry. Embroidery is meticulously crafted on a green satin base, to recreate the column’s iconic bas-relief. This effect is achieved through a combination of techniques, materials, and color layering. The base is decorated with microbeads in varying shades of green to create depth and texture. On the second layer, crystals are added for highlights, while higher-relief details are defined by strings of tubular beads. The edges of the gilet are adorned with cord and a beaded embroidery concealing its seams and adding a refined finish. This creation required 100 hours of meticulous handcrafting.

THÉÂTRAL – GILET

This gilet takes its inspiration from the Opéra Garnier in Paris, a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture designed by Charles Garnier and completed in 1875. The building’s ornate design and lavish details served as muse for the bag’s intricate craftsmanship and opulent aesthetic. The gold satin base of the gilet is entirely hand-embroidered using a layered technique. The foundation layer features an elegant texture created with tiny rhinestones, microbeads, and gold accents, while the upper layer is created using the French wire technique, through which intricate foliage patterns and rosettes are crafted and then applied to the base with meters of 24-karat gold thread, adding a luminous and precious dimension. The two layers are seamlessly united by the exquisitely detailed edges of the gilet which incorporate two unique techniques: red strings of beads and natural coral embellishments. This creation required 150 hours of meticulous handcrafting.

PALAISROYAL - GILET

This gilet draws its inspiration from the Louvre in Paris, a masterpiece of art and architecture. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, the Louvre was transformed into a royal palace and ultimately a museum. The building, as it stands today, owes much of its design to architects Pierre Lescot and Claude Perrault, with significant contributions completed by 1670. The gilet captures the timeless elegance and grandeur of this iconic structure and is crafted from hand-embroidered white satin. The fabric is first gathered and sculpted by hand, creating volumes and folds reminiscent of a marble sculpture. Pearls of varying sizes and lusters are then meticulously selected and applied to enhance the three-dimensional effect, while smoky crystals are added to simulate the delicate veining of marble. The edges feature an exquisite fringe composed of different sized pearls and transparent beads. This creation required 200 hours of meticulous handcrafting.