September, 29th, 2014

PARIS | PRINTEMPS ÉTÉ 2015 | C A R V E N

GUILLAUME HENRY DERNIÈRE

L’enfant chéri de la mode française, Guillaume Henry, has departed the House of Carven, effective Sunday Sept. 28.

Henry, 36, who also worked at Givenchy – anonymously for a year until the arrival of Riccardo Tisci in March 2005 – and Paule Ka, thrusted a second life into the maison: “Je n’aime pas les silhouettes porte-drapeaux, j’ai le souci de la portabilité. Je n’oublie jamais le consommateur.”. His motto is bearability in wearability.

Since its inception in 1945 by Madame Carven, the house has experienced a rather turbulent journey: a belle réputation until the 1970s with its trademark, la petite robe, a timeless three quarter sleeved dress with a feminine vintage touch. Then label went apathetic until the choice of Guillaume Henry in 2009, where he was in charge of the men’s and women’s collections back.

Together with its President Henri Sebaoun, they rebooted Carven to become one of the most coveted label for its youth and freshness. Starting from almost a page blanche, Henry brilliantly injected new propositions of every of his six seasons, rejuvenating what was to become the daring brand, cherished by the French fashion press.

For his last bow, he has chosen a collection inspired by the sixties, the world of motor racing and Japan, mixed with espiègleries.

With a network of 27 stores and approximately 450 stockists worldwide, for an esteemed turnover at $40.2 million last year – estimated to rise by 30% this year. Flagships were opened in Tokyo (district of Omotesando), Beijing, Shanghai, New York and Paris for the third store on rue de Sévigné.

What’s next? Carven intends to announce quickly the appointment of two art directors, one in charge of men’s fashion and the other for women. Guillaume Henry remains rumoured to succeed the creative director of Nina Ricci – Puig Group -, Briton Peter Copping.

Carven codes are now anchored for the success and successor. Now Guillaume knows surely how do fahion houses straddle that fine line between engaging and boring.

Will Henry be Ninna Ricci’s Next Capitaine ? À suivre ..

Photos by

GORUNWAY.COM

|

L’ÉDITOR