Carven: Ready-To-Wear SS26

The season of debuts continues apace with Mark Howard Thomas who showed his first collection for Carven in the court yard of the house’s Paris HQ. The talented British-born designer took over from his former boss, Louise Trotter who now resides at Bottega Veneta. This Paris house may not have the brand recognition of Dior and Saint Laurent but you can find wardrobe magic here. An unfussy modernism, focused on clever cuts, minimalist lines and sensual fabrics have won Carven many discerning fans. Thomas continued with that aesthetic taking inspiration from the founder Marie-Louise Carven’s love of white orchids for his colour palette and details. He abstracted the structure of the flower into clothes with creating sensual folds and drapes for skirts and fashioned dresses from a delicate petal appliqué viole. The femininity here wasn’t saccharine. Thomas sent out plenty of desirable pieces: roomy trench coats, dresses that skimmed curves but didn’t cling and perfectly slouchy trousers.

There’s an ease to Carven; it’s refined but unfussy. Track pants, for example, were done in grey silk moiré and came with a matching trench coat for a dressy take on sportswear. Thomas had his models walk out of the house onto the street, to underline the house’s connection to the city and that these thoughtful clothes could walk straight into your wardrobe. Thomas has focused in on the soul of Carven. This house has real clothes at its heart. Its founder, Marie Louise Carven was one of the first couturiers to launch ready-to-wear in 1951, recognising that well-dressed women needed a chic every day alternative to the formality of haute couture. Fast forward to 2026 and Carven is confident, calm and very Parisian.

Photography courtesy of Carven. 

carven.com

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