Louise Trotter’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection for Carven, presented above the label’s historic boutique on the Champs-Élysées, exudes an air of intimate ease. The setting, Trotter’s own workspace, provided a unique backdrop with breathtaking views of Paris.
This collection marks Trotter’s third season with Carven, and her confident hand is evident in the sophisticated simplicity of the designs. The clothes explore the delicate balance between daywear and evening wear, indoors and out, with flowing volumes, rich textures and a nuanced color palette. Long, seemingly effortless gowns, suspended from delicate straps or shaped with origami-like folds, evoke a sense of relaxed elegance.
Trotter’s focus on subtle details shines through in elements such as the open neckline of a crisp white tunic, a recurring motif in her work. A recurring design element is the attention paid to the back of each piece, from flowing panels of fabric to delicate pearl necklaces. This focus on the often overlooked back adds a touch of unexpected allure.
The commercial viability of the collection is evident, as is the runway aesthetic. Trotter’s dedication to understanding the Carven customer is evident in her daily presence in the boutique, where she oversees visual merchandising and interacts directly with the sales team and customers. The boutique itself reflects a curated lifestyle, showcasing furniture, art and books, reinforcing Carven’s identity as more than a brand, but a cultivated world.
The collection’s strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of a woman’s relationship with her clothes, offering pieces that are both thoughtful and unfussy, allowing the wearer to define the garment rather than the other way around.
©Photo: Carven