Vivaia changes gear and prepares for the next chapter

Vivaia is moving quickly. Following the recent opening of its second Paris boutique in late 2025, the footwear brand, known for its responsible approach, has announced a key new milestone in its development: the appointment of Alan Buanne as creative director.

A strategic move as Vivaia looks ahead to 2026 with a clear ambition: to strengthen its global presence and shape its creative identity at scale.

In just a few years, the brand has made its mark on the footwear landscape, and its strategy appears to be paying off. In 2025, the label had more than 75 boutiques worldwide and recorded striking growth across its physical retail network, with year-on-year retail performance up 100%. In New York, the SoHo boutique even posted record footfall.

To support this momentum, Buanne brings a strong track record. Trained at Polimoda in Florence, he worked for renowned names such as Nicholas Kirkwood and Bottega Veneta before co-founding Neous, a footwear brand known for its refined, considered take on luxury.

Buanne also intends to evolve the brand’s visual language while staying true to its DNA.

“My aim is to build on what already clearly resonates and to guide Vivaia into its next phase with the same determination,” he stated, in a press release.

That vision involves more inclusive silhouettes, greater attention to skin tones, and clearer communication around innovative materials and environmental commitments, notably the recycling of ocean plastic.

At the same time, Vivaia is preparing a major expansion of its boutique network. By 2026, the brand aims to have 130 points of sale worldwide. In the United States, ten new openings are planned, including in New York, California and Florida. These stores will adopt a new concept designed for wellbeing: soft lines, warm materials and welcoming spaces, reflecting the brand universe it aims to build. This rollout will complement established partnerships with retailers such as Nordstrom and Von Maur, with further collaborations to come, including Macy’s.

The first collection shaped by Buanne’s vision will debut in Autumn/Winter 2026.