Artwork

Hochet

Hochet, by Carven, 1955
Hochet, by Carven, 1955

Hochet is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Hochet is a fashion illustration attributed to the French label Carven, dated approximately 1955. The drawing is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is catalogued as an example of mid‑century garment design.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman dressed in a modest, green ensemble. The outfit consists of a fitted jacket fastened with three buttons, a short flared skirt that ends just above the knee, a waist‑defining belt, and a small, perched hat. The figure is rendered in a straightforward manner, emphasizing the silhouette rather than elaborate detail.

Technique & Style

Executed with light pencil strokes, the drawing conveys a sense of immediacy and fluidity. The artist employs clean, unembellished lines and limits the palette to a single, bold hue, highlighting the garment’s shape and construction over decorative rendering.

History & Provenance

Created around 1955, the work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains accessible for study. The title Hochet appears in the lower corner, likely serving as an internal code or style designation used by Carven.

Context

During the 1950s, Carven was known for producing refined, ready‑to‑wear clothing that balanced elegance with practicality. This illustration reflects the brand’s emphasis on streamlined silhouettes and functional attire, aligning with broader post‑war trends toward simplicity in fashion.

Artist & collection

Artist

Carven

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