Mark Thomas exits Carven following a year as design director
Carven has announced that Mark Thomas, who has served as its Design Director for a year, will be leaving the company “to pursue other opportunities.” The Paris-based fashion house shared this news in a brief statement.
The company did not disclose Thomas’ next professional steps. Carven stated, “the next steps of the house will be announced in due course,” and noted that its upcoming Paris show will be its Spring 2027 presentation, to be unveiled later in the year.
The statement from Carven also recognized Thomas’ contributions: “His vision and designs have helped to establish the brand’s identity and style, and have positioned Carven firmly back on the fashion stage.” Carven continued, “Carven wishes Mark every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Reports indicate Carven’s sales have risen significantly since Thomas assumed the position left vacant by Louise Trotter, who was recruited by Bottega Veneta.
Thomas commented on his departure, saying, “I would like to sincerely thank every person I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past few years for helping shape new chapters in this beautiful house. I am deeply grateful to Madame Shawna Tao and Mr. Ye for the opportunity they gave me, and I hold the utmost respect for Madame Carven, who founded this maison in 1945.”
He was referring to Ye Shouzeng and his wife, Shawna Tao, who established the fashion brand Icicle in Shanghai nearly three decades ago and later added Carven in 2018 to form ICCF Group.
“As I look ahead to new adventures, I wish the brand continued success and a bright future,” Thomas added.
Thomas is a graduate of Central Saint Martins in London, where he studied under professor Louise Wilson. He joined Carven in 2023, overseeing sartorial and creative collaborations, and previously held design positions at Lacoste, Helmut Lang, Joseph, Givenchy, and Neil Barrett.
This change at Carven is part of a recent trend which has seen designers depart from brands including Etro, Nina Ricci, Courrèges, and Alaïa in recent months.