Youthful Elegance and a Brand New Era

Carven is a label with history. Since its foundation in 1945 by Marie-Louise Carven, the Parisian fashion house has been the go-to for those in the know, drawn to its elegance and sophistication, not to mention its legendary fragrance, “Ma Griffe”.

And SS18 marks a new era for the label, the first season under the creative direction of Serge Ruffieux. Likely his name is already familiar to you, owing to his tenure at Christian Dior; he spent almost a decade at the label, and stepped up with Lucie Meier (now at Jil Sander) in the immediate aftermath of Raf Simon’s departure. Now Ruffieux is bringing his experience and sensibility to Carven, this season taking his creative cue from the vitality and style of modern Paris’s younger generation.

Inspired by the girls that he sees in the city day-to-day, whilst honoring Carven’s illustrious lineage, Ruffieux has dreamt up a collection of contrasts. Fluid lines and featherweight fabrics dance along with heavier, structured tailoring; bold, cropped urban silhouettes layer over floating organza skirts. There’s a youthful appeal to the pieces but they’re imbued with a grown-up air of luxury. Take the dresses: the casual shirt dress is elevated with immaculate cinching at the waist or décolletage; pretty cotton midi dresses pack a punch with asymmetric shapes and fashion-forward cut-outs. These are pieces that will take you anywhere and everywhere, whether you lift straight from the runway and pair them with Carven’s fabulously patterned bohemian sandals, or you introduce them to your own infantry of stand-out heels.

The label has your separates covered too, with delicate blouses and chic jackets and pants, each with a playful ruffle here and a confident fresh cut there, reminding you this in not just another closet essential. And when you want to make an even greater impact, take your pick from pieces adorned with a patchwork of prints, inspired by the geometric designs on vintage silk scarves. These will add power and intensity to your simple, pared-back favorites. Ruffieux has brought a youthful vigor to Carven’s rich heritage and it’s yours for the taking, just in time for Spring.