Why Michel Vivien’s ‘Non-Sad’ Heels Are Still the Gold Standard for Cannes Style

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At the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival in May 2017, co-stars Bérénice Bejo and Stacy Martin delivered two very different takes on Riviera daytime dressing during the Redoubtable photocall.

Standing 5’5″ with a US shoe size 8.5, Bejo leaned into polished Parisian elegance, while the slightly taller Martin — 5’6¾” with a US shoe size 8 — brought a sharper, more directional edge to Cannes style through sheer textures and minimalist metallic sandals.

While the French Riviera often calls for classic elegance, both actresses used the occasion to highlight interesting textures and footwear choices that remain relevant for summer inspiration.

Stacy Martin’s sheer scarlet No. 21 dress created a striking contrast beside Bérénice Bejo’s softer embroidered Cannes daytime elegance during the Redoubtable photocallStacy Martin’s sheer scarlet No. 21 dress created a striking contrast beside Bérénice Bejo’s softer embroidered Cannes daytime elegance during the Redoubtable photocall

Bérénice Bejo opted for a white Miu Miu dress featuring intricate English embroidery. The neutral, tactile fabric of the midi dress served as a quiet backdrop for her standout accessory: a pair of vibrant, multi-colored sandals by Michel Vivien.

Bérénice Bejo brought understated Riviera polish to Cannes in a sleeveless white embroidered Miu Miu dress styled with softly waved brunette hair and delicate gold jewelryBérénice Bejo brought understated Riviera polish to Cannes in a sleeveless white embroidered Miu Miu dress styled with softly waved brunette hair and delicate gold jewelry

As of May 2026, Michel Vivien’s official brand website redirects to a casino page, while the label’s Instagram account has remained inactive since its last update on May 20, 2024 — a quiet ending for a designer once celebrated for sculptural, comfort-conscious heels like the colorful “Pomezia” sandals worn by Bérénice Bejo at Cannes.

Bérénice Bejo balanced the feminine structure of her ivory eyelet dress with colorful Michel Vivien “Pomezia” sandals that added playful contrast to the refined photocall lookBérénice Bejo balanced the feminine structure of her ivory eyelet dress with colorful Michel Vivien “Pomezia” sandals that added playful contrast to the refined photocall look in Cannes, France, on May 21, 2017 (Credit: WENN)

Vivien, who spent decades honing his craft at legendary houses like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen, was known for a “craftsman-first” approach.

His designs focused on technical balance and “non-sad” wearable heights, qualities that make his vintage and deadstock pieces highly sought after by collectors of Italian-made footwear today.

The Michel Vivien “Pomezia” sandals combined rich jewel-tone suede with metallic crossover straps and sculpted heels for a distinctly artistic take on classic summer sandalsThe Michel Vivien “Pomezia” sandals combined rich jewel-tone suede with metallic crossover straps and sculpted heels for a distinctly artistic take on classic summer sandals

In contrast, Stacy Martin leaned into a more avant-garde aesthetic with a sheer, ruffled silk-chiffon dress from No. 21. The bold red hue and delicate layering offered a sharper, more modern edge than Bejo’s traditional embroidery, which was finished simply with metallic silver sandals.

Stacy Martin’s ethereal red chiffon layers and silver sandals contrasted beautifully against Bérénice Bejo’s polished white embroidery and colorful block heels at CannesStacy Martin’s ethereal red chiffon layers and silver sandals contrasted beautifully against Bérénice Bejo’s polished white embroidery and colorful block heels at Cannes

More Block-Heel Sandal and Cannes Style Moments

As this look back at Bérénice Bejo and Stacy Martin’s Redoubtable photocall style comes to a close, their contrasting Cannes outfits show why well-chosen sandals can define an entire daytime fashion moment — from Bejo’s colorful Michel Vivien block heels to Martin’s sleek metallic pair.

👠 Explore Elegant Block-Heel & Cannes Fashion Moments:

Michel Vivien’s “Pomezia” sandals showcased the designer’s signature balance of wearable heel height, vibrant color blocking, and elegant Italian craftsmanship

Michel Vivien’s “Pomezia” sandals showcased the designer’s signature balance of wearable heel height, vibrant color blocking, and elegant Italian craftsmanship

Michel Vivien’s “Pomezia” sandals showcased the designer’s signature balance of wearable heel height, vibrant color blocking, and elegant Italian craftsmanshipMichel Vivien’s “Pomezia” sandals showcased the designer’s signature balance of wearable heel height, vibrant color blocking, and elegant Italian craftsmanship