5 Things to Know About the New Carven Designers
From left: Alexis Martial and Adrien Caillaudaud following their runway debut. Photo: Sarah Cristobal
Just last week it was announced that the French label Carven, which bid adieu to Creative Director Guillaume Henry in September, was appointing not one but two designers to take his place. On Thursday morning in Paris, said replacements—Adrien Caillaudaud and Alexis Martial—staged their first collection at the Tuileries which was inspired by “a new kind or Parisian girl mixed with urban sophistication and a late ’60s twist.” The resulting collection—which one editor commented looked like Louis Vuitton for the younger set— definitely was infused with a new energy. We ran backstage post-show to have a little tête a tête with the new artistic directors. Here’s what you need to know:
1. This is Not a Random Pairing, They Have Known Each Other Since College
The pair first met at the Atelier Chardon Savard design school in Paris, and went on to work at Givenchy together for years. Martial worked as a knitwear designer, while Caillaudaud was responsible for creating all of the accessories from jewelry to leather goods to shoes.
2. They Worked on the Collection Together for a Week
Caillaudaud was previously consulting for Tods and Jil Sander, but started at Carven a few months ago. Martial got his official start on February 28th, six days before the show. (He showed his final collection for Iceberg in Milan on the 27th. )
3. They Are Their Own Dream Team
“We used to work together and we’ve known each other for 10 years,” says Caillaudaud. “It was always our dream to be a team and work together. It’s a dream come true.”
4. Carven Uses Couture Fabrics
Among the standout pieces from the collection were colorful quilted jacquard dresses and suits, when asked about the fabrication, Martial responded: “We discovered that Carven, which is a contemporary line, was doing everything by atelier. All the finishings, all the organza. It made this project very interesting. It was linked to the couture but in a contemporary way.”
5. Solange Approves
The singer, who was the last to arrive, was clearly feeling it as she bopped her head approvingly in the front row.
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