ABOUT VIVIERS
VIVIERS was founded by Lezanne Viviers in April 2019 . Cradled amongst the gold mined caverns of ‘The Origins of Humankind,’ Johannesburg.
We originate artistic, conceptual and Earth-conscious clothing that is homegrown in a series of Limited Edition experiments, made in South Africa. Our garments are a result and celebration of the most luxurious, South African raw materials, reimagined by the gifted hands of our local craftsmen.
Our clothes project ideas of universal Future Fossils. Our atelier and flagship, Glasshouse, is the operating heart and showroom of our brand and could be visited by appointment in Johannesburg.
VIVIERS hosts a sensual wardrobe-building experience, allowing the collector to explore their radical selves, by expressing their inner duality within their identity. The experience allows the wearer to co-create, explore and express their individuality through experimentation with our studio, while co-creating a lasting capsule wardrobe that is tailored to the individual’s lifestyle and personality. Clients can also choose to acquire pieces from our bi-annual exhibitions or easy-wear from our Limited Edition, Ready-to-Wear, signature capsule.
OUR MANIFESTO
It all begins with disclosure... What am I buying, what is the provenance, how was it originated, and what was the impact of the material or garment we made?
“Who made my garment, what was my garment made from, and what were the circumstances and the environment it originated from?” These are questions we believe are subliminally answered through sincere, conscious practices. All intent manifests materially, and clothing is no different; we should feel the love in our clothing, and unfortunately in some cases, also the lack thereof. We encourage our clients and customers to consume less, yet to value all things. We remind ourselves to buy less and invest better, like when you acquire art.
In our studio, our philosophy is to respect all our materials, even plastic, to waste nothing, and to reuse and recycle any small remains. Let these scraps invoke further creativity, be inspired by their beauty!
We invite our clients and customers to check the inside of their garments, to ask any questions, and to know more about what they invest in by meeting the tailors and team behind the making of each garment. Disclosure results in accountability and co-responsibility.
We love to share how to care for your garments; sometimes the sun is the answer or just care! Disclosure can only happen when questions are asked and when truth is sought. How do we unblock the chain and reconnect to our inner knowledge?
OUR STUDIO
GLASSHOUSE is the Flagship Store/Atelier and Creative Studio of VIVIERS.
In between crystalline walls, we invite you to come to partake and experience our sensual co- emerged studio and concept space. GLASSHOUSE, our Flagship space and incubation centre, the upgraded Motherboard of VIVIERS, is situated in Westcliff Johannesburg.
Our ‘By-Appointment-Only,’ Concept Space, allows individuals to experience a unique way of building and co-creating their wardrobe, with both our Bespoke and Made-to-Order, service.
The modular, crystal glass structure, was co-designed by Roelof van Wyk and Thomasshof and Partners before it was translated into the home of VIVIERS with the help of the JANG design duo.
GLASSHOUSE also exhibits our Signature Collection, which consists of our premium selection of wardrobe collectables and quiet luxury pieces.
VIVIERS garments are created by sculpting and drafting brown paper, unfolding them into new silhouettes. These paper prototypes are then further developed into Calico fabric, to test their comfort and functionality when worn, before finally being individually hand-cut into a combination of locally handcrafted textiles,(like weaving, knitting, marble and eco-dyed fabrics) combined with reclaimed couture textiles from disused luxury manufacturers. The hand-finishing and embellishment of each VIVIERS piece is our signature stamp of uniqueness.