Serge Ruffieux of Carven has a bright new vision for the brand
The new creative director wants to make collections that are youthful, urban and effortlessly chic, while also emphasising accessories including shoes and bags
Serge Ruffieux is a name you will definitely become familiar with if you are a fashion lover. The Sonia Rykiel alumnus, who spent his past eight years at Dior, is the main man at Carven. The newly appointed creative director of the French fashion house is ready to take the driver’s seat.
To mark this new chapter, Ruffieux showed his debut collection at the Jussieu Campus – a Brutalist style architecture designed by Édouard Albert – which has been an iconic cultural centre since 1964.
Carven’s spring/summer 2018 collection, which will arrive in stores next month, embodies Ruffieux’s interpretation of the heritage brand. Models trotted down the runway in cropped polo shirts matched with embroidered skirts, and quilted hunting jackets worn over printed tops and shorts. The collection is characterised by youthfulness, urban style and classic, effortless Parisiennechic.
Meeting me at the Carven atelier just one day after his debut show, Ruffieux turned out in a casual ensemble of jeans and sweatshirt. The soft-spoken man, however, was more than excited to share his new vision for Carven.
David Bowie [inspires me], because his music, his looks and his arts are full of inspiration.
“I delved into the archives of Madame Carven when I first joined, because for me it’s important to understand the vision behind,” he says. “Her lifestyle and my imagination gave me the starting point for the new collection.”
Like Ruffieux put in the show note, he had only unveiled the beginning of a new story for Carven, one that would evolve with each new chapter.