Mark Thomas Opens a New Chapter at Carven

This season at Carven, designer Thomas draws inspiration from the vibrant ethos of the brand’s founder, Madame Carven, who passed away in 2015 at the remarkable age of 105. Thomas reflects, “Living to 105 surely means you’ve got to be doing something right. She had kangaroos roaming around her garden and was an avid collector of ceramic birds. There was a delightful eccentricity about her, and I always appreciated her bold choice in costume jewelry. She exuded a sense of joy and fun.”

The inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) collection was sparked by an informative book dedicated to the house titled Carven, initially published by Gründ in 1995. According to the text, Madame Carven collaborated with a botanist, Marcel Lecoufle, to create a unique white orchid showcasing a striking green center. Thomas states, “I’m not particularly drawn to florals, but the notion of that orchid captured my imagination with its blend of sensuality—tough yet fragile. We began experimenting with the orchid reference, infusing it abstractly into the structure of the pieces, resulting in subtle nods such as trousers with a drooping waistband and skirts resembling petals.”

The inaugural part of the collection features a serene palette of whites and écrus. “I like the symbolism of starting this new chapter with a focus on whites, creams, and écrus—essentially a palate cleanser for what’s to come,” he shares. Staying true to the founder’s French heritage, he embraced ‘Made in France’ fabrics, incorporating silk skirts and moiré items into the collection.

The upcoming show is set to take place on the ground floor of the maison’s headquarters, taking advantage of the entrance, courtyard, and store to create an inviting circular layout for the models to traverse. This season marks a collaboration with stylist Emilie Kareh, while a cinema critic will contribute to the show notes. For the soundtrack, Thomas enlisted a DJ from London-based music platform NTS, who will be making their debut in composing a fashion show soundtrack.

In a landscape filled with noise and chaos, how does one carve out a distinct presence? “The intention is to make it feel as though you are stepping into our home,” Thomas explains. “It will be an oasis of calm amidst the turmoil created by larger brands. The ambiance will be thoughtfully curated; with pleasant scents and comfortable seating, we aim to create a beautiful pause amidst the backdrop of everything else happening around us. Afterward, we’ll gently push you back out into the world.”

Do you have comments, questions, or feedback? Reach out to us at feedback@voguebusiness.com.