Cannes was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Cannes?

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

Artwork

Cannes

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Cannes is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Cannes is a loose, hand-drawn sketch created by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1956. The work depicts a woman in a long, straight coat with a high collar and front buttons, her hands in pockets, wearing low-heeled shoes.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman dressed in a coat design, likely a conceptual sketch for a fashion piece rather than a portrait. The coat’s style reflects Carven’s emphasis on lightweight fabrics and petite women’s wear.

Technique & Style

Executed in quick, light lines, the sketch conveys a spontaneous, exploratory character, suggesting a preliminary design idea. The simplicity and informality of the drawing prioritize the garment’s silhouette over detailed rendering.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1956 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (est. 1945), a pioneering Parisian couturier in prêt-à-porter. The sketch is currently held in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Context

The work reflects Carven’s innovative approach to accessible, modern fashion for petite women, characteristic of her contributions to mid-20th-century French fashion.

Legacy

As a design sketch from a pivotal figure in French prêt-à-porter, Cannes provides insight into Carven’s creative process and the evolution of accessible luxury fashion.