Artwork
Beyrouth

Beyrouth is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1963 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 1963, *Beyrouth* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The work belongs to the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and portrays a stylised female figure rendered in clean, minimal lines.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows a woman turned away, her back to the viewer, with a low bun, a white blouse featuring puffed sleeves, and striking red trousers and shoes. The composition, set against a plain white background, emphasizes the contrast of the red garments and suggests a poised, contemporary elegance.
Technique & Style
Carven employs a simple yet refined line drawing, limiting detail to essential contours and color blocks. The use of bold red against white highlights the garment design, while the minimal background focuses attention on the silhouette and the fashion elements.
History & Provenance
Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear collections in Paris. *Beyrouth* reflects her mid‑century work and is now housed within the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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