Carven appoints a new design director. The French brand has appointed Kai Nesselrath as creative manager, Carven announced on Monday. His first collection for the label will be presented during the upcoming Paris Fashion Week in the fall.
As the brand’s new design director, the German-born and Italian-raised designer follows in Mark Thomas’s footsteps. His departure was announced in April by the brand, which is part of the ICCF (Icicle Carven China France) group of companies. Thomas, who took over the position from current Bottega Veneta designer Louise Trotter, worked in this role for around one and a half years.
Saint Laurent designer switches to Carven
Nesselrath studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma, completed courses at the London fashion school Central Saint Martins and finally completed his studies at the Florentine fashion institute Polimoda. He began his career under Karl Lagerfeld at the French luxury fashion house Chanel before moving to Saint Laurent, where he worked for a decade. There he was eventually appointed head designer for the women’s collections before moving to Carven.
According to the statement, his appointment represents another important step in the rebuilding of the brand, which began in 2023. The aim is to build on the fashion house’s founding vision from 1945: a distinctively French yet inclusive approach to fashion based on uncompromising creativity, outstanding product quality and relevance to modern life.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kai to Carven,” said Shawna Tao, CEO of Carven. “A new generation’s perspective on the world seems particularly important today. The essence of Carven lies in a fresh and bold creative spirit, and we are convinced that Kai is uniquely suited to interpret and express this.”