PAUL & JOE SISTER (Paris) Dress in Bunny Print

French label Paul & Joe Sister is known for embracing youthful feminine styling, and playful, retro-inspired prints. With an easy fit and a cute-as-can-be print of white rabbits, this sweet frock is destined to become your new honey bunny.

Cinch the drawstring waist if you want to create definition, then pair with flats and delicate jewellery for an adorable, garden-party ensemble that’s sure to make you as “hoppy” as can be :-)

(RRP  £145 / US$298)

CARVEN (Paris) Printed Silk Playsuit

Favoured by royalty and film stars in the 1940s, Madam Carmen de Tommaso’s label Carven was certainly decadent in its past. Today, led by Guillaume Henry, the brand is known for its playfully sophisticated Parisian chic and adored by style elites and fashion magazines alike.

Following the monochrome-mixed-with-colour theme at Carven’s Resort ’14 presentation, this soft silk playsuit features a contrasting collar (which is very Carven). Finished with an elasticated waist and a knot detail at the front, this Euro-chic style needs little accent—simply team it with wedge sandals and minimal jewellery.

(RRP €355 / US$495)

New Brand Alert: AMERICAN RETRO (Paris) Cutout Dress

Fit and flare meet flirty! This tailored design from the über cool French label American Retro is clearly not your average little dress, but definitely the quickest way to go from office-hours to after-hours. Wear it under a jacket for work, then showcase the striking cutouts on a fun night out with the girls or a romantic date with that special someone.

(RRP €284)

AMERICAN RETRO

American Retro is in fact a youthful, energetic French label launched in Paris by David and Gregory Pariente, who learnt the fashion business through their father Gérard Pariente, the founder of the iconic French brand Naf Naf. The idea behind American Retro is to add some French flair to the romance of American denim. Since its launch in 2002, the brand has quickly gained acknowledgement as ‘fashion’s new child prodigy’ (Elle Magazine).

Creative Director of American Retro, Laure Pariente (wife of David) defines the new codes of the stylish, smart, cool Parisian.

NUE 19.04 (Paris) Leather-Embellished Top

Cult Parisian label NUE 19.04’s soft jersey top is crafted with draped shoulders and embellished with washable leather at the neck, giving the piece just the right hint of attitude.

Stay true to the brand’s rock-chic DNA and wear yours with distressed denim, day or night.

(RRP €169)

IRO (Paris) Ruched Dress

Part of the new 'French Wave' (along with Maje, Sandro, Zadig & Voltaire, among others), Iro has become incredibly popular both and France and internationally in the last few years. Clever ruching makes this Iro design supremely flattering. The abstract print diverts the eye away from any—ahem—problem areas, while the soft, very slightly stretchy silk creates a comfortable fit. Just add killer heels (or sexy flats) and you're good to go!
(RRP US$472)

IRO

Launched in 2004 by brothers Laurent and Arik Bitton, Iro’s energetic, exciting clothing are inspired by the trendy, jet-setting crowd. Iro has been one of the French fashion scene’s biggest success stories of late, currently operating stores in Paris and New York, as well as new boutiques in Marseille and Beirut. The mixture of streetwear and luxury influences has proved a recipe for success, so much so that Iro began offering menswear last year. Incidentally, Iro owes its name to the Japanese word for ‘colour’.

CARVEN (Paris) Stamp-Print Silk Dress

Founded in 1945 by Carmen de Tomasso (a.k.a. Madame Carven — soon-to-be 104 years old and still alive and stylish!), French fashion house Carven originally specialised in modern clothing for hip, young Parisienne women. With Madame Carven’s retirement (at the age of 84, no less), the brand too seemed to have gone quietly into retirement. Fortunately, the house got a second lease of life in 2009 with the appointment of game-changing designer Guillaume Henry (a Givenchy and Paul Ka alumni). Thanks to Henry’s critically-acclaimed creative direction and fresh, preppy-cool RTW creations, Carven is again riding the wave of popularity.

It is said that Carven dresses always come with a wink, so make this delightful piece—featuring the smoothest-ever silk fabric and a queenly postage stamps pattern—your go-to look for unique styling. Play to the ladylike aesthetic with a little black cardi and pointy pumps, wearing your hair up to showcase the cool collar.

(RRP US$850)

South Korean sweetheart Son Ye Jin in Carven.

After just one season under Henry, distribution for the once nearly forgotten house of Carven grew from 70 to 180 retailers (including 10 Corso Como, Colette, Dover Street Market and Opening Ceremony). When the most influential fashion women are not only wearing it (Alexa Chung, Natalie Massenet), but telling everyone how much they love it, you’ve got to know the label is seriously happening.

Guillaume Henry's No.1 fan Alexa Chung wears her favourite Carven dress in the series opening of 24 Hour Catwalk (Lifetime, Astro Ch 709, every Wednesday 8pm).

Expanding to keep pace with rapid growth: Carven's newly opened flagship store in Omotesando, Tokyo is its biggest to date.

PAUL & JOE (Paris) Pleated Dress

Constructed with ruffled sleeves and a pleated skirt, this figure-flattering dress from cult Parisian label Paul & Joe is a charming way to channel the season’s feminine mood.
This little number will wow at any event – complement the chic Gallic style with a sleek ponytail, dainty gold jewellery, and sexy heels for a perfect cocktail/party look.
(RRP Price £305 / €398)