Tags: Joseph Fenestrier, Museo della Calzatura e della Tecnica Calzaturiera di Vigevano, Robert Clergerie, Roland Jourdan, Societe Romanaise de la Chaussure (SRC), Xavier Danaud
The skilful merging of taste, refinement and intuition has seen Robert Clergerie throughout his growing development. During the 1960’s Mr. Clergerie worked for the brand Xavier Danaud in collaboration with Roland Jourdan. In 1978 he decided to create a line of footwear of his own, and took over Societé Romanaise de la Chaussure (SRC), renowned for the production of Unic and of the prestigious men’s line Joseph Fenestrier. Only three years later, he started his first shop at Saint Germain des Prés and his first women’s collection, both of which immediately met with great international success. In 1983 he also set up the first exclusive shop J. Fenestrier. Throughout the 80’s and the early 90’s, as the Firm was on its way to steady growth, the brand was consolidated and distributed over most of France, in several European countries, the USA and Asia. From 1996 to 2001, after he sold off a considerable portion of his shares to a financial group, Robert Clergerie held the position of creative consultant, but, some time later he took over the whole of the firm’s shares, and the Maison recovered its former splendour under his guidance. Today Clergerie’s activities include, among others, collaborations, new collections and special initiatives. For the Summer Season 2008 they have presented an innovative collection focusing on the themes Pop, Arty and City, and drawing its inspiration from the visual dynamism of Giò Ponti’s architecture. Furthermore, Japanese designer Naoki Takizawa has collaborated with the Brand in the production of the footwear for their personal collection Spring-Summer 2008. Finally, the fact that Vigevano Museo della Calzatura e della Tecnica Calzaturiera (Vigevano Museum of Footwear and Footwear Technique) recently included in its permanent displays some of Robert Clergerie’s most significant models is an acknowledgement of their perfect line and unconventional spirit that gives the brand’s style and pure design an even higher standing.