Mark Thomas Leaves Carven After One Year

Mark Thomas is departing from his role as design director at Carven, the Paris-based fashion house announced on Thursday. He is leaving “to pursue other opportunities,” according to the official statement.

Carven Acknowledges Thomas's Contributions

Carven praised Thomas’s impact on the brand, stating, “His vision and designs have helped to establish the brand’s identity and style, and have positioned Carven firmly back on the fashion stage.” The house wished him success in his future endeavors.

Thomas Expresses Gratitude

Thomas expressed his appreciation for his time at Carven, 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.” He specifically thanked Shawna Tao and Ye Shouzeng for the opportunity they provided.

Acknowledging Carven's Founders

Thomas also conveyed his respect for Madame Carven, who founded the maison in 1945. Ye Shouzeng and Tao founded Icicle in Shanghai nearly 30 years ago and acquired Carven in 2018, forming the ICCF Group.

Thomas's Background and Previous Roles

Thomas joined Carven in 2023 as head of sartorial and creative collaborations. He is a graduate of Central Saint Martins, where he studied under Louise Wilson. Prior to Carven, he held design positions at Lacoste, Helmut Lang, Joseph, Givenchy, and Neil Barrett.

Part of a Larger Trend

This change at Carven is part of a recent pattern of designer departures at European fashion brands, including Etro, Nina Ricci, Courrèges, and Alaïa. The fashion industry frequently sees shifts in creative leadership.