As someone balancing corporate life with my foodie adventures, I know that a day rarely goes as planned. One minute, I’m in a meeting or catching up on deadlines. The next, I’m off for coffee, meeting friends for dinner, or enjoying some personal time.
Through it all, one thing matters more than ever: shoes that can keep up with me.
That’s why my conversation with Alan Buanne, VIVAIA Global’s Creative Director, got me curious about the brand’s re:work collection. Beyond its stylish designs, the collection tells an interesting story about how our work culture and daily routines have changed. Alan shared the inspiration behind the collection, the story behind its distinctive materials, and why comfort remains essential when designing shoes for everyday life.
re:work | WHEN WORKWEAR GETS A FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Let’s be honest. The traditional idea of workwear has changed quite a bit.
Work no longer means sitting at a desk from nine to five. Our workspace could be a café, our living room, an airport lounge, or even an airplane seat while catching up on emails.
When I asked Alan about re:work, he explained that the collection began with the idea of toxic work culture. Instead of taking a purely serious approach, the creative team added humor and reimagined what the modern workplace looks like.
I found this particularly interesting because many of us can relate to work spilling into our personal lives.
Our wardrobes have had to adapt, too. We want clothes and shoes that suit different occasions without requiring a complete outfit change whenever our plans shift.
That’s where re:work comes in.
According to Alan, the collection gave the team more freedom to experiment with styles and designs while keeping everyday needs in mind. The result is footwear that fits modern routines, from working hours to whatever comes next.
As someone who wears both my corporate and lifestyle/food blogger hats, I appreciate that idea. A pair of shoes that works for a meeting, a quick coffee run, and dinner afterward is a practical wardrobe addition.
Because sometimes, logging out of work doesn’t mean the day is over!
THE VELVET SHOES THAT MADE ME LOOK TWICE
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was learning about VIVAIA’s specially developed velvet footwear.
Velvet isn’t the first material that comes to mind when I think of everyday shoes. It’s often associated with dressier pieces and special occasions. But Alan explained that VIVAIA’s velvet was specially developed for the brand in Bavaria. It has a much shorter pile than traditional velvet, giving it a softer, suede-like appearance and a beautiful matte finish.
What caught my attention was the combination of velvet and white embroidery. The contrast adds character without making the design look overly embellished. It’s a subtle detail, but it gives the shoes a distinctive personality. I love footwear that feels special without being too loud. Sometimes, an interesting material or thoughtful detail is all it takes to make an outfit look more polished.
Alan also shared that these velvet shoes are produced in a very limited run, making them limited-edition pieces.
For shoe lovers who enjoy something different from the usual styles, this collection is worth checking out. The distinctive material, understated finish, and embroidered details offer a fresh way to express your personal style.
Of course, living in the Philippines means thinking practically, too. Beautiful shoes are lovely, but what happens when an unexpected rain shower catches you on your way to lunch?
Naturally, I had to ask Alan about that!
CAN YOU WASH VIVAIA’S VELVET SHOES?
If you’ve ever been caught in a sudden Cebu downpour, you’ll understand why shoe care matters to me. Our weather can change quickly, and keeping favorite footwear looking fresh isn’t always easy.
Alan explained that most VIVAIA shoes are machine washable, and the velvet used in this particular design is relatively easy to clean. However, his personal approach is much simpler. When his shoes just need freshening up, he prefers gently wiping them with water instead of immediately putting them in the washing machine. He also mentioned using a clean white cotton glove to wipe the surface.
I appreciate practical tips like these. Shoe care doesn’t always have to involve a complicated cleaning routine.
Still, I’d recommend checking the care instructions for your specific pair before washing. Delicate materials, embroidery, and different shoe constructions may need special treatment.
After all, when you invest in a pair you love, a little extra care can help you enjoy it longer.
BUNA: A ROOMIER FIT FOR THOSE WHO PUT COMFORT FIRST
While I personally lean towards feminine silhouettes, elegant details, and shoes with a little heel, my conversation with Alan introduced me to another VIVAIA style worth knowing: BUNA.
It’s one of the styles Alan wears himself, and it comes in men’s sizes up to size 46.
BUNA features an extra-thick, spongy sole designed to cushion your steps. It also provides support beneath the metatarsal area, just behind the toes, and has a wider toe box for extra room.
For those who find regular shoes too narrow at the front, BUNA’s roomier toe box and cushioned sole make it worth checking out. My sister loves these features, so she’s excited to try a pair when we visit the store this weekend.
As for me? I’m still a fan of feminine footwear. Give me an elegant silhouette, a flattering shape, and a little heel, and I’m happy!
Thankfully, shoe shopping doesn’t have to mean choosing between comfort and style. VIVAIA offers different silhouettes, from pointed-toe designs and rounded shapes to elegant heels in various heights.
The key is finding a pair that suits your feet, wardrobe, and daily routine.
COMFORT FIRST, STYLE SECOND
One thing I took away from my conversation with Alan is that choosing shoes should go beyond how they look on display.
A beautiful design can catch our attention. A distinctive material, embroidered detail, or flattering silhouette can make us fall in love with a pair at first sight. But the real test begins when we put them on and start moving.
Can we wear them comfortably while running errands?
Do they suit our daily routines?
Can they take us from one activity to another without leaving us wishing we’d brought a different pair?
These are the questions I want to ask before adding another pair to my shopping list.
For me, comfort comes first, and style comes second. Not because style is unimportant, but because beautiful shoes are worth investing in only when we can genuinely enjoy wearing them. That’s why I appreciate having options. Some days call for a polished, feminine look. On others, I want a roomier fit and cushioned soles to get me through a busy schedule.
Ultimately, the best pair is the one that fits both your feet and your lifestyle.
SHOULD YOU CHECK OUT THE VIVAIA re:work COLLECTION
If you’re looking to refresh your footwear collection, the re:work collection is worth exploring for its fresh take on modern workwear and everyday dressing. The velvet designs stand out with their matte finish and embroidered details. Meanwhile, BUNA offers an alternative for those who prefer a wider toe box and a cushioned feel.
What makes the collection especially interesting is the idea behind it. Our workdays, personal schedules, and wardrobes are constantly evolving. It makes sense that our footwear should adapt, too.
As for me, I went for a more feminine silhouette—the pointed-toe Addison slingback heels, which I got during the grand opening last week. I love how they make me feel both sexy and comfortable as I go from work to my next foodie adventure!
Whether I’m heading to a meeting, discovering a new restaurant, or spending the day exploring Cebu, I want shoes that complement my style without making comfort an afterthought.
And if there’s one shopping reminder I’ll take with me, it’s this: buy shoes you’ll be excited to wear, not just shoes that look beautiful in your closet.
Now, that’s a much better reason to add a new pair to your shopping list!
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A former educator and now working as a freelance writer. Simply living her own version of life’s passion – music, mobile photography, story telling, road trips and food trailing! 🙂