Bouchon was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1953.

Where can I see Bouchon?

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

Artwork

Bouchon

Marie-Louise Carven , 1953

Bouchon is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1953 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 1953 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Bouchon* is a fashion illustration that forms part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. The drawing captures a woman in a loose, sleeveless dress featuring a striking black‑and‑yellow pattern, complemented by a wide‑brimmed hat and simple earrings.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is presented in a one‑shoulder, draped silhouette that falls just above the knee, suggesting a casual elegance suited to Carven’s focus on lightweight garments for petite women. The bold geometric motif may allude to post‑war optimism and the emerging popularity of ready‑to‑wear fashion.

Technique & Style

Carven employs swift, assured lines and flat areas of color—black, yellow, and gray—without shading, giving the sketch a graphic, almost poster‑like quality. A handwritten label in the corner identifies the work as “Bouchon,” reinforcing its status as a design study rather than a finished garment.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the first couturiers to launch a prêt‑à‑porter line. *Bouchon* reflects this transitional period in her career, illustrating the shift from exclusive couture to more accessible fashion. The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection at an unspecified date.

Context

The early 1950s saw a growing interest in ready‑to‑wear clothing, particularly for women seeking practicality without sacrificing style. Carven’s designs, noted for their light fabrics and suitability for smaller frames, aligned with this trend, and *Bouchon* exemplifies her approach to modern, functional elegance.