Caribou was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1962.

Where can I see Caribou?

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

Artwork

Caribou

Marie-Louise Carven , 1962

Caribou is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1962 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 1962, *Caribou* is a drawing attributed to French fashion designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and bears the artist’s signature, which also serves as its title.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman seen from behind, dressed in a coordinated red‑and‑beige plaid suit consisting of a jacket and skirt. She wears a rounded hat, holds a small handbag in one hand, and rests the other hand on her hip, presenting a poised, everyday fashion moment.

Technique & Style

Carven employed loose, sketch‑like lines to outline the figure, emphasizing the silhouette of the clothing rather than fine detail. The rapid, gestural strokes convey the texture of the fabric and the overall design with minimal effort, reflecting a quick study approach.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded the eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the first Parisian couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Caribou* was produced during the early 1960s, a period when Carven was expanding her brand’s visual identity beyond garments.

Context

The drawing aligns with Carven’s reputation for creating lightweight, accessible designs for petite women. By rendering a complete outfit in a single, informal sketch, the work illustrates the designer’s focus on practicality and elegance within everyday attire.