Let’s face it, when a high street fashion brand announces a collaboration with an International designer, the average fashion pundit’s pulse rate goes skywards. Remember Balmain-mania a month ago? Of course you do, it was pure fashion crazy unleashed, and even my most minimally dressed friends were considering joining that overnight queue to lay hands on a hallowed piece of ‘nearly couture’. After all, most of us look but very rarely get to own and touch those designer delights that tempt from the glossy pages of magazines.
Sometimes however, the cleverest collaborations are the most understated. I mean, who doesn’t want achingly stylish, but more importantly, wearable clothes that have been carefully curated by a leading design house? I’m not talking one hit wonders, or the kind of high fashion that might last a season then hang forgotten at the back of the wardrobe. I’m talking about the new Carven collection about to hit online with La Redoute on January 1st. Collaborating with Carven is a clever move, these are slick, modern pieces that are so well priced and crafted, that a rookie to the collaboration scene will do well to take note. Inspired both by travel and by Madame Carven’s original designs for air hostess uniforms of the sixties and seventies, they unapologetically shriek French chic and feature signature Carven detailing like the skinny waist belts, prints and clever colour palette. These are the sort of effortless clothes that I can imagine Alexa Chung wearing. A beautifully tailored pair of black trousers, a sixties style slim black coat cinched with a belt and a subtly printed, fit and flare dress. Pile them in a suitcase, jet off, mix and match, oh and just add white Stan Smith’s. I would.
The collection launches online on 1st January. Prices start at £29 – £149 and will be available in sizes 6-16.
Luckily, I actually got to hot foot it to Paris to get touchy feely with the Carven collection, which meant I was also able to preview other lines from La Redoute whilst there. Spotted during the presentation – a cheeky, sunshine yellow mac with a hi-rise hemline that will brighten any dull day and a lace playsuit that could serve well as a thoroughly modern bridesmaid outfit.
My hilights from La Redoute for next season; the nude satin dress from Mademoiselle R, le t-shirt that says it like it is, and any or all of the deliciously sensual lingerie, that quite frankly the French do so well. There’s also a pair of Dorothy worthy, glitter heels that are crying out for jeans and a t-shirt to enliven, whilst ‘Le Brand Boutique’ is La Redoute’s new home for favourite labels such as Mes Demoiselles and Antik Batik. I’ll be stalking.
The biggest surprise – La Redoute homes. I had no idea the catalogue offered such an extensive collection of reasonably priced, stylish product. From mirrors to mattresses, chic armchairs and bohemian worthy rugs to the knitted poufs that I’ll be counting down until one lands in the homestead.
A poignant time to be in Paris. Poems on posters, graffiti’d hearts on walls and Place de la République alight with the glow of candles.
Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella
Carven model shots courtesy of La Redoute
All other photography Shelly Vella using Olympus Pen