Sneakers are so much a part of women’s wardrobes that they’re worn with more frequency than their nearest flat-sole relative, the pump. Yet most of what brands such as Adidas and Nike churn out is hi-tech, performance-centric shoes that, together with a dress or skirt, won’t be a match made in heaven.

Until now. This ‘Frilly’ version of Roger Vivier’s ‘Sneaky Viv’ slip-ons is just the shoe, we imagine, to go with a Valentino dress or, if you’re so inclined, a Vetements floral frock. The flounce, emerging from the vamp swirls around a central rectangle, where the eye-stay would have been, to sit dramatically atop the collar. That oblong centre, although unadorned, hints at the Roger Vivier signature, the Pilgrim buckle, an incongruously prim detail that’s at odds with the sex appeal of many a shoe today.

What’s clever is a little gold zip hidden under the frill just above the outside quarter. This, when unzipped, allows the foot to slip easily into the shoe. Made of kid leather (even in the interior), this prettified ‘Sneaky Viv’ is surprisingly lightweight with a fit that rivals those of athletic brands.

The original Sneaky Viv, touted as Roger Vivier’s first sneaker, is itself a rather conservative looking shoe. Now with frills added to the upper, these, may not be high performance, but they are kicks women can really call their own.

Roger Vivier ‘Sneaky Viv Frilly’, SGD1,860, is available at Roger Vivier, Takashimaya S.C. Photo: Zhao Xiangji