Artwork

Albatros

Albatros, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1960
Albatros, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1960

Albatros is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1960 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Albatros is a fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1960. The drawing depicts a woman wearing a long, light-colored coat with dark floral patterns and a high fur collar.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman dressed in a coat designed for petite frames, reflecting Carven's focus on clothing for smaller women. The sketch conveys a sense of understated elegance through the simple yet refined accessories and hairstyle.

Technique & Style

Executed with quick, loose lines, the sketch emphasizes the coat's shape and fabric texture. The face is minimally rendered, prioritizing the garment's design over portraiture details.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), *Albatros* is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marie-Louise Carven

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

Marie-Louise Carven (31 August 1909 – 8 June 2015), born Carmen de Tommaso, was a French fashion designer who founded the house of Carven in 1945.