Who painted Coccinelle?

Coccinelle was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Coccinelle?

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

Artwork

Coccinelle

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Coccinelle 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

Coccinelle is a fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1958. The drawing depicts a woman in a simple, polka-dot dress, characterized by loose, quick lines that convey a sense of spontaneity.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman wearing a red and green polka-dot dress with short sleeves and a flared skirt, paired with low-heeled shoes. The name 'Coccinelle' (French for 'ladybug') likely references the dress’s bright, spotted pattern.

Technique & Style

Executed in a sketchy, unfinished style, the drawing features loose, rapid lines, suggesting it may have been created as a quick design note. This approach reflects Carven’s emphasis on practical, accessible fashion.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (est. 1945), around 1958. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Context

Coccinelle reflects Carven’s pioneering work in prêt-à-porter and her focus on designing for petite women using lightweight fabrics, though the sketch’s direct relation to these innovations is not explicitly clear.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, Coccinelle contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century French fashion, particularly the development of accessible, modernist design under Carven’s influence.