Net-A-Porter – Design & Culture by Ed

Carven, founded in 1945 by Madame Carven, has finally found a designer that can navigate it in the contemporary times: the hyper-talented Louise Trotter. Her Carven debut collection is one of the biggest highlights of this season. Ahead of her spring-summer 2024 fashion show in Paris, Trotter had voiced her desire to start the brand anew. She indeed delivered her promise, but that doesn’t mean total erasure of the brand’s identity. In its history, Carven was known for distinct, hourglass silhouette. The British creative director references it throughout the new offering via powerful shoulders and nipped-in waists. Throughout the collection’s looks (styled by Suzanne Koller), the designer redefines timeless wardrobe essentials: cinched trench coats, transparent white shirts, elegant black dresses, all contrasted with playful details like over-sized leather poach bags, vibrant shades of sky-blue and mint-green, or beaded embroideries. The new Carven delivers a fresh layer to the eternal myth of Parisian chic, being far, far from a cliché.

Here are my favorite pieces from the collection, which you can shop now!