At VIVIERS, our idea of luxury begins with humanity and Mother Nature, for the better good of all. Each garment is created slowly, with deep respect for the people, materials and land that shape them. Every piece is hand crafted in our Johannesburg atelier and guided by (he)art led design, our Ubuntu approach, a preference for local provenance, ethical making and the idea of Future Fossils. These are garments made to be lived with, repaired, and passed on, becoming Future Fossils to be proud of.
As an ethical luxury fashion studio in South Africa, we create small batch garments with transparency, sustainability and intention at the core.
CONCEPT AND SKETCH
The idea that sound, beginning with OM, is the primordial force of creation, is woven throughout, highlighting how the vibrations we emit through breath, thought, and word shape the world we inhabit.
Sound, as the first act of creation, is the origin from which all arises. “Let there be light reflects the understanding that creation begins with vibration. “Words are vessels of energy that mold not just our experiences but also the fabric of physical reality itself," Lezanne Viviers.
Each garment begins as a question, a sketch and an inquiry into form, and the precious material we choose. We research, fit and sculpt silhouettes that hold meaning, movement and versatility.
FABRIC SOURCING
We source with purpose and intention. Our materials include:
• South African natural fibres such as wool, mohair and alpaca
• Collectible vintage textiles
• Reclaimed couture fabrics
• Studio remnants reimagined into appliqué or weave
Every textile is chosen for beauty, longevity and practicality. Provenance is central to our commitment to responsible luxury and sustainable fashion.
PATTERN MAKING AND CUTTING
Our hand drawn paper patterns are sculpted directly on the body and refined until the lines honour both structure and movement. Patterns are adjusted to each client’s measurements.
Once used, our pattern paper is re-pulped and transformed into VIVIERS shopper bags This completes a circular design loop and reduces waste within our atelier.
PREPPING AND ZERO WASTE
Each garment is individually hand cut to minimise waste.
All offcuts are saved and used for:
• bindings
• appliqué
• internal finishes
• contrast panels for future garments
Nothing in our atelier is discarded without intention. This zero waste approach is part of our ethical and sustainable production model.
GARMENT CONSTRUCTION
After cutting, each panel is tacked, marked, shaped and pressed after every stitch. As pieces join, 2D becomes 3D on our mannequins and the garment begins to take form. Our machines are used as tools while our hands guide every curve, seam and structural line. This is couture level construction rooted in patience, skill and precision.
ARTISANAL HANDWORK
Hand beading, embroidery, braiding, felting, dyeing and hand finishing give each garment its identity.No two pieces are ever the same. Each garment carries the touch of the artisans who created it and the collective spirit of co-creation within our Ubuntu driven studio.
FITTINGS, CHECKS AND FINAL TOUCHES
Each garment returns to the body multiple times for sculpting, fit correction and refinement. Final details, including hand applied labels, hems, finishes and pressing, ensure the unseen elements are as considered as the visible ones. These quiet details often take the most time and define the quality of a luxury garment.
CO-CREATION THROUGH UNITY
Behind every garment is a team of 17 artisans. Our collective includes pattern cutters, tailors, dyers, beaders, finishers, designers, cleaners, communicators, photographers, stylists, digital designers, quality checkers and interns, all fairly compensated through our Ubuntu driven approach.
This community embodies the spirit of ethical luxury fashion in Johannesburg.
YOUR INVESTMENT: THE TRUE VALUE OF A VIVIERS GARMENT
When you purchase a VIVIERS garment, you invest in:
• local South African craft
• ethical labour
• responsible materials
• slow, intentional production
• highly skilled artisan handwork
Each garment is supported by our Lifetime Warranty and Care. You can repair, refresh and live with your garment for decades, allowing it to evolve with your life until it becomes its own Future Fossil.
