From London to Milan, we now head up to Paris, home to my favorite of the major fashion week events. With so many major designers showing, it can be hard to distill, but on day two, Carven jumped out as an early favorite.

Creative Director, Guillaume Henry, took inspiration from 1920’s New York and infused his ever popular brand of Left Bank Parisian kitsch with some old fashioned street toughness. Henry admitted to looking at old mug shots and being inspired by the villainous looks of the era. The result is a darker line that mixes sophistication with a very casual feel. I like the over the shoulder topcoats and buttoned up suits. The show featured a smokey saloon that captured the vibe perfectly. It’s equal parts gangster rum runner with a slight hint of Dick Tracy. Carven normally does not fall into my aesthetic tastes, but I found this to be a winning collection.

-JRS