The Calvet Paris label can be defined by its elegance, sophistication, and style, but most predominantly by its rich heritage bearing the name, the integrity, and the exclusivity. Recognizable for their vibrant shades of cognac, deep burgundy, and garnet coupled with superbly crafted hardware accentuates the skins of this exquisite line of handbags, however one must not take for granted that Calvet Paris is more than skin deep. In fact, one can take review of a history of fashion lesson while learning more about the label and find out how Calvet Paris supports the arts through the Calvet Foundation, but hear it from the woman behind the handbag, Marcela Calvet.
Can you describe the Calvet Paris line and who is the Calvet Paris client?
Marcela Calvet: Our line is avant-garde, elegant, feminine and seductive. The Calvet Paris client is the woman who exudes femininity, elegance, grace and intelligence. The woman who knows and values who she is. The external, more obvious manifestation of this is reflected in her wardrobe and we are a part of her world in that respect.
What makes a Calvet Paris handbag stand out in a crowd and what do you consider to be the Calvet Paris signature look and feel?
Marcela Calvet: Our handbags are so exquisite that it is impossible not to notice them; yet they display no logos at all. It is that simplicity of style, the elegance of their form, the beauty of the skins and the vibrancy or sobriety of the colours we use for a particular design that draws the eye to them. Furthermore, our exquisite bags always complement the couture ensemble. That is the idea behind what should constitute the perfect handbag: never to detract from the outfit she is wearing, but to complement it and what is more important to never, ever compete with the woman’s beauty.
What are the top three reasons a woman should choose a Calvet Paris handbag over other brands?
Marcela Calvet: Style and beauty of design: which is avant-garde and seductive. What-ever the design may be, it will be beautiful, timeless and chic; the quality of our skins and our craftsmanship: every detail counts. That is why you can still find vintage handbags made by Calvet which despite their age -- could be 60 or 70 years, are still in perfect condition. Finally, the fact that we are very exclusive. We hand-make each handbag to perfection; therefore we only issue our production in very limited editions and in one of a kind manner.
Part of your mission as a company is to give back through the Calvet Foundation. Can you explain your foundation and how it helps the arts?
Marcela Calvet: The Foundation is based in Avignon, France and it is two centuries old. The idea was to grant access to culture and the arts for everyone -- a foreign concept in those days; but such was the wish of its founder Esprit Calvet. The Foundation administers three museums among which is the Calvet Museum which covers all the fields of art and antiquities as well as the Calvet Library. Through the Foundation, the museums lend their works to other museums around the world for special exhibits. This of course, is reciprocal. Also, the Calvet museum is home to a vast collection of ancient Egyptian art outside of the Louvre in Paris. The Calvet Museum has been bestowed the designation “one of the Jewels of France” by the French government.
What is next for Calvet Paris and where can your fans keep up with what you are doing?
Marcela Calvet: The history behind Calvet Paris is so storied and interesting! We are a luxury label with an incredible legacy which is now experiencing a re-birth, a Renaissance. Just as it is happening with several other fashion brands of past decades, which for different reasons, had been retired. Lead by Marcela Calvet since 2005, we are slowly but passionately bringing back the glamour and elegance that was characteristic of the original Parisian label -- “Callot Soeurs”. At the moment, we continue to focus on our handbag line which is “the star” of the brand; but as we continue to follow the path of the original label, you can expect other very exciting things to take place in the near future. Our website www.calvetparis.com showcases our beautiful collections, plus news and also contains the entire history behind the brand.
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