Artwork

Bullier

Bullier, by Carven, 1958
Bullier, by Carven, 1958

Bullier is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1958 by the French fashion house Carven, this illustration—titled “Bullier”—is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Rendered on a plain white sheet, the drawing presents a stylized female figure in a coordinated blue‑and‑white plaid ensemble, accompanied by a small inset showing the jacket’s back.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a short‑haired woman with white hair, dressed in a plaid skirt and matching jacket, cinched with a belt, and accessorized with gloves and high heels. She extends her right hand, pointing leftward, a gesture that may suggest direction, emphasis, or a narrative cue within the composition.

Technique & Style

Executed in line drawing, the work relies on clean contours and minimal shading, allowing the patterned clothing to dominate the visual field. The inset of the jacket’s rear offers a technical glimpse of the garment’s construction, reflecting Carven’s interest in fashion illustration and the precision of mid‑century design documentation.

History & Provenance

The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings sometime after its creation, where it remains on display as part of the institution’s broader representation of fashion and cultural artifacts. Its attribution to Carven situates it within the post‑war era of French ready‑to‑wear innovation.

Artist & collection

Artist

Carven

These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.