Classic Chic

French childrenswear and underwear giant Petit Bateau and the Paris fashion house Carven have announced a new collaboration, with the first collection making a fashion debut at concept store Colette on Nov 5th, and arriving in Petit Bateau stores throughout Paris on Dec 4th. Since moving into adult fashion, Petit Bateau has joined forces with other well-known designers, but no partnership has been as anticipated as this one.

Revived in 2009, the 1940s-era couture house and perfumer Carven has fast become synonymous with highly feminine, well-made clothes that walk the fine line between outright sexy and fashion relevant. The house’s success also involves price—similar quality labels can easily run twice as high. The new Carven women’s line includes a demure, form-fitting mini-dress with a baby doll collar, a sleek striped bodysuit that’s great with jeans or a suit, polos and cardigans. There are also lines for men, girls and boys.

Petit Bateau, 116 ave des Champs Elysées, 8th, 01.40.74.02.03 (and many others). www.petit-bateau.fr.

Colette, 213 rue Saint Honoré, 1st, 01.55.35.33.90.

Originally published in the November 2012 of France Today