Carven, the iconic Parisian fashion house established by Marie-Louise Carven in 1945, has been rescued from bankruptcy by a surprising new investor. The Chinese company Icicle came forward with a bid of 4.2 million euros and a promise of an additional 8 million euros in investments, beating out six other offers in front of the commercial court. This landmark deal now means that Icicle has taken full ownership of the Carven brand, marking a fresh start for the renowned fashion house.
Icicle, a high-end women’s fashion label founded in Shanghai in 1997, has seen remarkable growth in recent years, boasting a turnover of 204 million euros and a 23% increase in revenue in 2017. The acquisition of Carven presents Icicle with an exciting opportunity to expand its footprint in France and internationally. The Chinese group’s goal is to breathe new life into Carven and tackle the challenges it has faced, such as missing out on the latest Paris Fashion Week showcase.
The immediate focus for Icicle is to assemble a new leadership team for Carven and draft a strategic roadmap for the brand’s revival. The company’s Paris-based division, headed by Shawna Tao and Isabelle Capron, will undertake the crucial task of overseeing Carven’s renaissance. Plans are in motion for the launch of fresh collections, potential new stores, and a push into the lucrative Chinese market.
With the acquisition of Carven, Icicle is now in a prime position to make a significant mark in the global fashion arena. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with Icicle Fashion Group’s ambitions for worldwide expansion, complementing their existing presence in France with the imminent opening of a flagship store in Paris in 2019. Such a move underscores Icicle’s dedication to the global market and signals a promising new chapter for both Carven and Icicle.
To learn more about Icicle’s impressive growth and expansion plans, visit their official website here.
For further insights into the revitalization of Carven and its strategic alliance with Icicle, check out this informative article from a leading fashion publication here.
