Averse was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Averse?

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

Artwork

Averse

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Averse is a drawing by Marie-Louise 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 circa 1958 by French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven, *Averse* is a fashion sketch that records a coat design. The drawing is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and exemplifies Carven’s focus on streamlined silhouettes for petite figures.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman wearing a long, dark coat marked by prominent front buttons. One hand grips a small object while the other rests on the hip, and an adjacent, simplified version shows the same coat without sleeves, highlighting the garment’s structural elements.

Technique & Style

Rendered in quick, bold lines, the sketch emphasizes the coat’s texture rather than setting or background. The minimalistic approach concentrates the viewer’s attention on the fabric’s surface and construction, characteristic of mid‑century fashion illustration.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house in 1945, was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear concepts and held patents for innovative lingerie. *Averse* entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings as part of its broader collection of fashion artifacts.

Context

The drawing reflects Carven’s reputation for designing lightweight, refined clothing for smaller women, a niche she cultivated through the use of delicate fabrics such as lace and gingham. The coat’s austere presentation aligns with the practical yet elegant aesthetic of post‑war French fashion.