Design director Mark Thomas made the case against the sophomore slump with his focused and elegant collection for Carven at Paris Fashion Week. One big change this season was the brand’s move from its headquarters, the historic residence and studio of founder Marie-Louise Carven, to the sunlit halls of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, a move that signals a fresh direction for the brand.
The thoughtful collection showed Thomas’ continued clarity and ability to design pieces for self-assured women. “This collection explores the tension between uniform and intimacy, drawing from the maison’s codes of dressing, moving being structure and seduction,” Thomas said in a press release.
Tailoring was at the heart, with outerwear showing a precision without severity. There were cocoon-like shapes and soft shoulders, offering a sculptural softness. Thomas said he softened the outerwear lines through references to French interiors, using drapes, tapis, and blankets to suggest a lived-in elegance. He also drew on 1950s couture for this sculptural references, including the controlled waists and curved shoulder seams.
Thomas kept the colour palette tight, with blacks, greys, whites, and browns, sprinkling in burgundy and olive pieces into the mix. He explored textures, particularly fringe seen on outerwear, trousers, and dresses in various lengths. Lace details, ruching, and sheer moments spoke to the restrained sensuality he wanted to evoke.
There was much to love in this sophisticated collection, from the bold outerwear to the slinky dresses, it’s not hard to imagine wearing it all.
Discover the collection below.
