Nonette was painted by Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Nonette?

Nonette is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Nonette

Carven , 1958

Nonette 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, the drawing titled “Nonette” is attributed to the French fashion house Carven. The piece is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents a study of a women’s outfit typical of the late‑1950s. The work is executed as a single image, combining a full‑figure rendering with a smaller, detached sketch of the garment.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a woman dressed in a dark blue coat featuring large, box‑shaped pockets, over a coordinating dress. Her hair is arranged in a modest updo, and she adopts a stance with one foot advanced, suggesting a poised yet functional presentation. The juxtaposition of the full figure with a miniature illustration of the dress alone emphasizes the garment’s design elements.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a clear, linear style, the drawing employs precise contour lines to delineate the coat’s structure and the dress’s silhouette.

Rendered in a clear, linear style, the drawing employs precise contour lines to delineate the coat’s structure and the dress’s silhouette. The emphasis on the deep pockets and the coat’s cut reflects an interest in practicality characteristic of post‑war fashion illustration. A handwritten label reading “Nonette” appears in the margin, serving as a cataloguing note rather than a decorative element.

History & Provenance

The artwork dates to the late 1950s, a period when Carven was known for producing accessible, ready‑to‑wear pieces for women. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it contributes to the institution’s broader representation of mid‑century fashion and textile culture.