Women's
Conversation With: Carmen Marc Valvo
Spring 2012
Carmen Marc Valvo is synonymous with glamorous evening wear and red carpet gowns. He started his sportswear line twenty-two years ago. Today, he designs eight lines that range from Couture and bridal to eyewear and swimwear. As Valvo’s business continues to expand he see more lines in his future — shoes, handbags and maybe even perfume. His attention to detail and focus on fabric reflects his passionate, artistic nature. We caught up with the busy designer last week, when he took time out to debut his Spring 2012 Couture collection at NorthPark in Dallas.
Designer Carmen Marc Valvo
NM: Tell us about your Spring 2012 collection.
CMV: It’s a nod to Americana. It’s like summer – saltwater taffy, a walk on the boardwalk, clean, fresh and light with lots of embellishments and pleated chiffon that is slightly deconstructed.
NM: Where does the design process start for you?
CMV: It is always different; there is never a set plan. Sometimes it’s a fabric or an idea. If I fall in love with a particular fabric it will speak to me, which begins the design journey. The vision becomes more distinct as the process progresses.
Spring 2012
NM: What are you proudest of achieving?
CMV: Being honored by the EIF’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA) and Katie Couric, for the work I did to bring awareness to colon cancer research, was my crowning achievement.
NM: How does it feel to have a stable, successful fashion business today?
CMV: I think every year is a new challenge. You have to keep your ideas new and fresh and hopefully intriguing to the customers. I know for myself I have so many black suits in my closet, and ladies have so many black cocktail dresses in their closets. What’s going to make her want to buy a new black cocktail dress? In the design process you need to push yourself and push your creativity to create something unique and special.
Spring 2012
NM: What’s next?
CMV: I would love to have a perfume, that’s every designer’s dream.
Shop Carmen Marc Valvo at NeimanMarcus.com and Neiman Marcus stores.
