As the star of Roger Vivier's new short film, Eva Green discusses the importance of fashion in films and explains the power of high heels.
Fashion and film are forever intertwined, yet the House of Roger Vivier takes the relationship between the two even further through the creation of The Vivier Express, a short film series with key talent in the spotlight. For the second iteration, Eva Green is the star. But why film is used as the core mode of expression for the luxury label is the key question, so Grazia met with both Green and Gherardo Felloni, Roger Vivier's creative director, to find out. ‘The connection between Maison Vivier and cinema runs deep-rooted in the very DNA of the brand,’ says Felloni. ‘Monsieur Vivier himself was captivated by the divas of his time – Catherine Deneuve in Luis Buñel’s 1967 Belle de Jour and Marlene Dietrich, whose iconic heel was inspired by her elegance. I share that same passion, and since becoming Creative Director of Maison Vivier, I’ve been fortunate enough to create several short films featuring legendary talents’.
He continues, ‘for me, film is a language that plays a crucial role in expressing the brand’s aesthetic, to convey the vision of romantic exuberance and playful creativity. With Vivier Express II, I wanted to embark the spectator on an adventure aboard the Vivier Express, a luxurious train epitomising the refinement of a bygone era.’ And it’s safe to say he and the team were certainly successful in this aim, and Green’s performance made it all the more intriguing. Not only is the French actress celebrated for her roles in Bernardo Bertolucci’s 2003 film The Dreamers, the James Bond film Casino Royale, the critically acclaimed TV series Penny Dreadful, and a handful of brilliant Tim Burton films, but for her unique dark romantic style. Plus, just like the rest of us, she’s a big lover of the Vivier brand.
‘The very first pair of zebra heels gifted to me by Gherado holds a special place in my heart and my wardrobe,’ shares Green, speaking about her first introduction to the luxury label. ‘There’s something so delightful about them. They have a perfect blend of sophistication and playful flair.' When asked about the connection between fashion in film, Green stresses it should never be underestimated. ‘Fashion in film is like a dance partner – it can reveal a character’s essence with just a glance,’ she shares. ‘For me, Katharine Hepburn’s high-waist trousers stand out. They say so much about the character without a word being said. Iconic styles can shape a story, giving us an insight into who a character is – sometimes even hinting at their secrets.’
Yet footwear is probably the most important part. ‘I have worn shoes to step into a role. Tim Burton is a great one for this. All good directors will make sure that every aspect of a character’s wardrobe reveals elements of their personality. You always want to ask, will the glass slipper fit?’ she adds. Although ‘in costume, shoes are often difficult as, on the one hand, they’re the most technical aspect of anyone’s clothing. We ask them to be both practical and beautiful at the same time, which is asking a lot. In a good dream, we get the balance right.' And, as we all know, shoes have the power to shape our emotions. ‘I’ve also worn shoes to boost my confidence. Sometimes, a high heel will make me feel more powerful. But mostly, I’m in flats hiding from the world like a little mouse,’ says Green, which I’m sure we can all relate to.
She continues, ‘I feel wardrobe is like silent storytelling. It’s how a character or person says, “This is who I am.” In Tim’s films, costumes can take you to another world of fantasy and freedom. In real life, I think we can do the same. Although I am mostly hiding away in my black jeans and jumper, I do also sometimes love embracing pieces that make you feel alive and expressive, that whisper to the world, “Here’s a little glimpse of ‘me’ today.”’ So, as we excitedly wait for the third Vivier Express film to drop, perhaps we all need to pay a bit of attention to the pieces in our own wardrobes that make us feel most alive. Lauren Cunningham is acting fashion news editor at Grazia. She currently lives between Lisbon and London and is always on the lookout for exciting collaborations, new small brands and those boasting impressive sustainability credentials. Find her on Instagram @laurencunningha.m.
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