With short dresses and high necklines, the Carven girl affirms her status as style connoisseur. This summer, she returns to us having travelled the globe, as Guillaume Henry explores Preppy styles with an exotic twist.

Henry has evolved Carven into a label with a strong design signature. In past seasons, the looks have come together through their youthful, bright and streamlined aesthetic, tailored for the modern fashionista who has a strong command over her style. Carven is minimalist Parisian chic, whilst also playful through an exploration of colours, fabrics and prints.

With high demand to see the show, including a front row critical eye from Anna Wintour, the SS 2012 collection did not disappoint. A sassy, sleek opening reassured Carven lovers that Henry has fine-tuned his quintessential cool sophistication. Cobalt blue and black tailored blazers with high collared shirts, paired with schoolgirl skirts, or leather shorts. The dark glasses accessorized the looks with a coolness that matched the neutral palette. However the runway was soon transformed into an international promenade with an explosion of colour. The preppy Carven girl was then fitted in exotic multi-coloured prints zigzagging up and down the body. It was hard not to make a direct comparison with Missoni.

Playing with a principle style of peter pan collars on crop tops and shirts with high waist shorts, the collection showed how to make preppy a little more grown up. Schoolgirl uniforms were transformed into serious fashion statements through native embroideries on shirts and shoes, leather harnesses on dresses, and lace inserts underneath necklines. With high necklines and bare midriffs, Henry showed how preppy girls might have fun with the staple items in their wardrobe.

The collection showed how to reveal lots of leg in summer dresses, skirts and shorts while maintaining a sophisticated edge. Henry only ever provides subtle hints at the sexiness of the Carven woman. Double soles on shoes, already a big trend amongst fashion players and featured here with summer looks, suggest that they will be even hotter in the coming months. We loved Henry’s optimism; it was the perfect accessory to his designs. This summer, expect to see and hear the Carven girl as she takes on the world with a jingle to her step.