Chic of the Week: Craving Carven

So the news is out -  the Beckhams are coming to Paris. Well, in reality Becks will be playing for Paris Saint Germain and VB and their boys will be primarily based in London, but that gives me an excuse to post a picture of Becks (sigh) and gives La Beckham carte blanche to let her inner Edith Piaf out now if she should so choose. (Allez Victoria!)

Photo: SIPA Press

We've already seen an inkling of a French fashion love affair from Mme. Beckham in this signature cropped collared sweater by my 'chic of the week' label Carven. She looks neat and understated, (with one of her own clutches) - a playful look on the French 'gamine' style, which is what Carven is all about.

Photo: Just Jared

The uber cool Frenchman Guillaume Henry has been the creative director of the revived fashion house since 2009, after previous stints at Paule Ka and Givenchy. Henry is interested in dressing the everyday modern woman and his designs manage to be both modern and timeless to suit all ages, and thanks to this wider appeal the label has quickly gained cult status. Not bad going for a brand that had fallen way below the fashion radar until 4 years ago. Now, if style maven Alexa Chung wears Carven, we all want to.

Alexa Chung & Guillaume Henry Photo: Telegraph

Most recently Henry collaborated with Petit Bateau and the collection is a perfect marriage between the two French brands. Classic styles are re-invented - whether the detachable Peter Pan collar, the quirky mini dress (see Alexa below) or the use of strong colours, all using Petit Bateau's trademark jersey, and the Carven quality shines through. I have treated myself to one of the collars, so will be able to add that little touch of Carven to my everyday outfits.

Photo: DailyElle/David Vasiljevic

Alexa looking super sweet in a Petit Bateau & Carven dress. She is so good at wearing flats too, very Françoise Hardy.

Petit Bateau & Carven

Spring/Summer 2013 Ready To Wear and the mood is slightly more grown up but Henry's trademark elements are clearly visible whether in the lines of the sharp silhouettes or in the strong, streamlined dresses.

Conde Nast

I love the emphasis on the shoulder with the sharp cutaway, it gives both the blouse above and the dress below a real edge.

Conde Nast

Collars, cutouts and colour mix = Carven's unique magic.

Conde Nast

The Carven girl is Parisian to the core, she's hip, she's cool and we all to be a little bit like her. Crave on.