Designer Clare Vivier recently celebrated the grand reopening of her Clare V. flagship store in Silver Lake, reflecting on her journey in the world of fashion and accessories since launching her brand in 2008.
The event drew a crowd of notable attendees, including Lake Bell, Lily Rabe, and Nora Zehetner, all of whom gathered to admire Clare V.’s latest offerings and reconnect with the designer herself.
Vivier opened up about her experiences, noting how the brand has become a staple in Hollywood, especially during the busy holiday season.
“We’re creating things that people love and that are nice giftables. Studios will call us up and say, ‘Can you do 100?'” she remarked, highlighting the brand’s growing reputation as a go-to for unique gifts.
As she explored the colorful website of Clare V., Vivier reminisced about the valuable relationships she’s built in the industry, citing collaborations with various stars such as Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Hamm.
One of the memorable moments for Vivier was when she spotted Kiernan Shipka showcasing the gifts Jon Hamm had given to the cast of Mad Men, which included custom pieces from Clare V.
Beyond the collaborative nature of her work, Vivier expressed her excitement over the brand’s appearance in popular media, specifically mentioning the show Shrinking, where her bags have been featured, bringing her designs to a wider audience.
Vivier’s journey has led to significant growth for Clare V., which operates multiple stores across the United States while maintaining a distinct aesthetic that blends quirky Californian vibes with timeless Parisian chic.
“I’m seeped in this idea of color, brightness and wanting things to feel timeless, but at the same time modern and not very serious,” she stated, emphasizing the playful nature of her designs.
The newly expanded Silver Lake store proudly showcases Clare V.’s latest bags, wallets, small leather goods, clothing, hats, and jewelry in a bright and airy 1,100-square-foot space.
Vivier collaborated with interior designer Lucie Klimes to bring the fresh design of the store to life. The previous location was under 500 square feet, leading them to seek expansion.
“It’s a great location in Silver Lake… There’s tons of sunlight,” said Vivier, thrilled with the updated space.
In celebration of the recent store opening, Vivier shared insight into Clare V.’s top celebrity-favorite bags, including the Pot de Miel, Grande Fanny, and Moyen Messenger.
She revealed that the Pot de Miel has garnered a following among many celebrities, including Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Alba.
“When I go out, I see it so many times around L.A. because it’s a great summer bag,” she added, explaining her inspiration behind the design stemmed from a desire for an everyday basket bag.
The Pot de Miel features a rounded shape reminiscent of a honey pot, which has been updated with new colors and handles over time.
Additionally, Vivier announced a new smaller version called the baby Pot de Miel, made for evening wear and vacations, designed to hold only the essentials like a phone or lipstick.
“The Moyen Messenger is a classic style for me,” Vivier remarked, describing how the design evolved from earlier iterations to create a more comfortable shoulder bag.
The Grande Fanny, on the other hand, is a contemporary twist on the belt bag popularized by celebrities like Emma Roberts and Lucy Hale, designed to be worn both on the waist and across the chest for easy access.
Looking ahead to fall, Vivier expressed enthusiasm for a revamped style of the brand’s Foldover Clutch, now featured in patchwork leather and available with a detachable strap, making it a versatile addition to anyone’s wardrobe.
“We all need a good tote for the fall,” she suggested, introducing the new Volie tote in a bright orange vegetable tan leather colorway called Zucca, perfect for pairing with fall attire like trench coats.
Speaking about current trends, Vivier highlighted the popularity of bag charms, which add a personal touch to bags. She shared her journey of making them herself before they evolved into more intricate designs crafted by manufacturers.
Subsequently, she presented the Barrel Chain Necklace, a piece from Clare V.’s fall jewelry collection, which she enjoys customizing with different charms for a unique look.
Vivier also delved into her skincare routine, expressing her trust in Shani Darden’s products which she uses daily to keep her skin looking fresh and hydrated.
In terms of accessories, Vivier mentioned the recycled 14-karat gold locket designed by BEN founder Charlotte Macaulay, praising its beautiful, reversible design.
Her appreciation for home decor was evident when she recommended the Lime Gingham Tablecloth by Heather Taylor Home, which was featured at her grand reopening dinner party.
Finally, she celebrated the designs of Gabriela Artigas, expressing her fondness for a sterling silver cuff bracelet that perfectly complements her style and comfort.
As Clare V. makes its mark on the fashion landscape, Vivier remains grounded in her creative journey, deeply connected to her roots in Hollywood while continuing to innovate and inspire in the accessories industry.
image source from：hollywoodreporter
