Artwork

Tailleur marron à carrés noirs

Tailleur marron à carrés noirs, by Carven, 1959
Tailleur marron à carrés noirs, by Carven, 1959

Tailleur marron à carrés noirs is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1959 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 1959, the image titled "Tailleur marron à carrés noirs" depicts a woman wearing a brown suit patterned with black squares. The composition includes a frontal view of the outfit and a flat back view that emphasizes the garment’s clean lines. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is presented in a poised stance, one hand resting on the hip, with hair gathered in a modest updo. The attire—a three‑button jacket with broad shoulders and matching trousers—reflects mid‑century fashion, suggesting themes of elegance and the evolving role of women in post‑war society.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a sketchy manner, the drawing uses loose lines to suggest the texture of the fabric and the geometric black squares. The flat back view simplifies the garment’s structure, while the front view captures the silhouette, combining a draft‑like quality with a focus on design details.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the French fashion house Carven, the piece dates to the late 1950s, a period when the brand was known for innovative tailoring. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, where it contributes to the institution’s documentation of clothing as cultural artifact.

Artist & collection

Artist

Carven

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