Footwear brand Vivaia is expanding its global presence with the opening of its second French store. Located at the Westfield Les 4 Temps shopping centre in La Défense, the boutique officially launched on December 9, 2025. This follows the first Parisian store at the Carrousel du Louvre, opened in 2024, and highlights Vivaia’s strategy to grow its retail footprint in key fashion capitals.
The Les 4 Temps store covers 135 square metres and displays the full range of Vivaia collections, from ballet flats and trainers to Mary Janes and boots, all designed for comfort and sustainability.
Founders and Sustainability Focus
Vivaia founders Marina Chen, formerly of Camuto Asia, and Jeff Chan, co-founder of the Nordace travel backpack brand, started the company in 2020. They built the brand around direct-to-consumer sales and sustainable production. Vivaia transforms PET plastic bottles into Repreve yarn for its shoes and uses 3D knitting technology to minimize waste while creating well-fitted, stylish footwear.
Since its launch, Vivaia has developed over 200 shoe models, emphasizing comfort, elastic uppers, and eco-friendly materials.
Leadership Driving International Growth
Howard Herman became Vivaia’s managing director in 2022. As a former executive at Li & Fung Limited, he brings expertise in retail development and international strategy. Under his guidance, the brand has accelerated its global expansion. London-based Stroud International manages Vivaia’s European operations, while Shenzhen Starlink Network Technology, led by co-founder John Lau, holds the brand rights.
Starlink also owns the athleisure brand Fanka and secured investments from ByteDance and Sequoia Capital in 2021, which helped Vivaia scale internationally.
Global Reach and Retail Strategy
Vivaia now operates in 61 countries and has 75 stores worldwide, including Milan, Rome, Tokyo, Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong, Macau, and Kuala Lumpur. In the US, department stores such as Dillard’s and Von Maur carry Vivaia shoes. The brand recently entered Brazil and Australia and plans further international expansion. Media reports indicate Vivaia generated around €180 million in revenue in 2024.
