VIVAIA Welcomes Alan Buanne as New Creative Director Focusing on Japanese Women

VIVAIA's New Era: Empowering Women with Style and Comfort

VIVAIA, a sustainable shoe brand known for blending comfort and style, has announced the appointment of Alan Buanne as its new Creative Director starting in 2026. This strategic move aims to elevate the brand's global presence, particularly in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, transforming VIVAIA into a more fashionable label while communicating a unified brand narrative worldwide.

Alan Buanne: A Visionary Designer

Alan Buanne, an Australian designer with a rich background in luxury fashion, is celebrated for his innovative approach to traditional craftsmanship. With experience ranging from contemporary brands in London to luxury houses like LVMH's Nicholas Kirkwood and Bottega Veneta, Buanne brings a wealth of expertise to VIVAIA. His leadership is expected to combine VIVAIA’s strong foundation of innovative and comfortable materials with high-fashion sensibilities, enhancing the brand's commitment to creating shoes that prioritize design without compromising comfort.

Embracing the Essence of Japanese Women

On his appointment, Alan expressed his admiration for Japanese women, stating, "Japanese women are dynamic and ever-evolving, embodying a modern sense of independence. They value deep connections with family while prioritizing their careers and understanding the importance of self-identity. They reflect the spirit of contemporary womanhood." This acknowledgment underscores VIVAIA's commitment to understanding the unique lifestyle and needs of women in Japan, making their shoes more than just fashionable items but also symbols of empowerment.

Future Directions: Empowering Women's Lifestyles

Under Buanne's direction, VIVAIA will focus on product development that not only enhances the aesthetics and comfort of shoes but also supports women holistically. This includes creating designs that align with the lifestyles of working women, seamlessly blending elegance and function to empower them for their daily challenges. Starting from 2026, VIVAIA plans to launch collections that resonate with these themes, making each shoe an extension of the wearer's identity and lifestyle.

Store Information

For those looking to explore VIVAIA’s offerings, here are the details of their physical stores:

- Harakado Store

Address: 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Visit Harakado Store

- Shinjuku Marui Store

Address: 3-30-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Visit Shinjuku Store

- Futako Tamagawa Store

Address: 1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-0094
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Visit Futako Tamagawa Store

- Grand Green Osaka Store

Address: 5-54 Daifukucho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Visit Grand Green Store

About Alan Buanne

Alan Buanne has roots in Australia, Italy, and Peru, having honed his craft at Polimoda, Florence's esteemed fashion school, and mastered traditional shoemaking under the mentorship of master Roberto Ugolini. In 2012, he joined Nicholas Kirkwood in London, later co-founding the women's brand NEOUS, which achieved notable success with partners like Net-a-Porter and Harrods. Following a role as Men's Design Manager at Bottega Veneta, he launched his own brand, BUANNE, in 2020 and has since been nominated for prestigious industry awards, solidifying his status as a visionary designer.

A Glimpse into VIVAIA

Founded in June 2020, VIVAIA is a global lifestyle brand that champions a blend of comfort and style in footwear. The brand aims to allow individuals to enjoy their unique style effortlessly, no matter where they are. Collaborating with REPERVE®, a multinational supplier of recycled synthetic materials, VIVAIA continues to source eco-friendly resources for its shoes. Currently, VIVAIA operates stores in Tokyo, Melbourne, Singapore, and Hong Kong, delivering comfortable, trendsetting footwear to customers across more than 61 countries.

The brand name VIVAIA represents a powerful symbol—"VV" depicts two women standing with pointed shoes, while the two "I's" symbolize discarded plastic bottles, emphasizing the importance of nurturing both our environment and femininity.