I had a truly refreshing conversation yesterday with Roger Vivier designer Bruno Frisoni on the unveiling of his new limited-edition “Rendezvous” line for the brand: the one that’s not quite couture, but more expensive and elaborate than the usual ready-to-wear shoe. He was showing me the shoes, which are based on a stripped-down stiletto shape with the shoe rendered as delicate and close to the foot as possible — a mere slip of ornate leather, satin, and lace – when I noted the fact the ball of the foot was quite close to the ground, since the sole was so thin.

“Don’t these hurt to walk in?” said I. Read more