A men’s story
Founded in 1952 by Henri Lederman, Carvil settles in the Rue Royale in Paris and opens its shop on Rue Pierre Charron of the same year, in the heart of the Parisian Golden Triangle. The trendy post-war Paris listens to Boris Vian, Salvador or Danny Boy. And at the cinema, a sacred monster heats up the screen in the Tontons flingueurs : in the dialogue scenes of Michel Audiard, Lino Ventura immortalizes the first Carvil loafer, the Triumph. The New Wave arrives with Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon meeting in Sois belle et tais-toi.
At the start of the 60s, in loafer full bloom, Delon wows Hollywood in Plein Soleil. The charisma and class of Tom Ripley speeds up the actor’s career. On his feet are the Carvil horsebit loafers, a favourite piece of the actor. In 1966, the playboys of Jacques Dutronc wear Cardin and buy their shoes from Carvil, at the peak of its popularity.
At the same time, Henri Lederman designs the Dylan boot, in tribute to the artist with a zipped and velvet version. Now at ease with the blue jeans, leather jacket and black sunglasses look, the Carvil shoe adds a touch of impertinence to its elegance. Its white patent leather version becomes popular after being worn on stage by Claude François, who was already ordering his own custom-made models set on a 5 cm heel. Joe Dassin and Alain Chamfort walk in his footsteps during their first Olympia. A shoe whose posterity makes its way to the coffin of Mike Brant, wearing a pair of white boots for the occasion.
Elsewhere, the infatuation is the same. In 1968, Charles Bronson is the gentleman with a harmonica in Il était une fois dans l’ouest. The star of the Sergio Leone western goes all over the world in Carvil shoes. Cary Grant also wears his Carvil loafers bought in Paris.
At the start of the 80s, the owner of the maison Carvil changes. Shot by Giacometti and Dumoulin, the poster evoking the features of David Bowie and its China Girl is displayed in Paris. And at Rue Pierre Charon, the myths keep on coming. Coluche wears the custom-made Opera shoes, an evening shoe made from violet velvet, which becomes a collector’s item. Members of the Bouglione family order colourful shoes, while Eddy Barclay exclusively chooses Carvil to dress his guests during his white nights. Even the King of Pop, Michael Jackson appears at the boutique in the 8th district.
Carvil discreetly makes its way through the years 2000, led by Frédérique Picard from then on. The address is quietly spread by word of mouth. Always from father to son. The faithful neodandies introduce the 26909 or the 26907, newer versions of the brogue shoes as well as ankle boots, chic evening shoes and winter or summer slippers. The cinema and musical industry remain faithful to the brand. Ben Harper finds here his bottle green calfskin leather boots, Ariel Wizman and Edouard Baer expand their collections every season and both Stromae and Benjamin Biolay are also wearing the shoes.