For Fall Winter 2025-2026, Carven’s collection marks a pivotal moment in the house’s evolution, introducing Mark Thomas as the new creative force following Louise Trotter’s departure. With an illustrious background at Joseph, Lacoste, and Helmut Lang, Thomas steps into the role with a distinct vision, offering a glimpse of what’s to come while paying homage to Carven’s storied heritage.

Designed in just six weeks, the collection serves as a quiet prelude to Thomas’s forthcoming spring/summer debut, signaling a shift in creative direction. Shot within Madame Carven’s original design apartment, the lookbook weaves together past and present, grounding the collection in the essence of the house’s legacy. At its core, two defining silhouettes emerge: the sculptural "Esperanto" jacket from 1951 and the effortlessly fluid robe de chambre dressing gown.

The "Esperanto" jacket, with its sharp shoulders and cinched waist, reimagines classic tailoring through a contemporary lens, appearing in a pressed tweed coat and paired with a side-slit skirt layered over a delicate slip. Echoing Madame Carven’s signature aesthetic of structured ease, Thomas explores soft, languid silhouettes—loosely tied blouses, back-opening tops with architectural volumes, and skirts that drape like wrapped scarves. Crisp white shirts, accented with rolled collars, add a subtle nod to timeless sophistication.

A departure from previous neutral-driven palettes, the collection introduces striking hues of lapis blue and peony pink, injecting a newfound vibrancy into Carven’s world. Accessories follow suit, with the house’s coveted pillowy bags and shoes transformed through playful, tactile details—faux fur toe caps and plush babouche slippers that strike a balance between polish and irreverence.

Beyond the garments, Thomas underscores his commitment to a nuanced representation of femininity, shaping the brand’s future alongside the women who embody its spirit. The "Esperanto" jacket, aptly named after the universal language, becomes a metaphor for his approach—creating a wardrobe that speaks to women everywhere, where refinement and modernity exist in effortless harmony.