Who painted Cousu d'or?

Cousu d'or was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Cousu d'or?

Cousu d'or is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Cousu d'or

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Cousu d'or 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. Created circa 1956 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Cousu d’or* is a fashion sketch held by the Museum of Ethnography.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1956 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Cousu d’or* is a fashion sketch held by the Museum of Ethnography. The drawing captures a woman in profile, hand on hip, dressed in a coordinated jacket and trousers featuring a speckled, brown‑toned fabric. The work exemplifies Carven’s focus on lightweight, petite‑friendly clothing and her early foray into ready‑to‑wear design.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is rendered in a simple, sideways stance, emphasizing the silhouette of the ensemble rather than personal narrative. The title, translating to “stitched gold,” alludes to the subtle gleam suggested by the fabric’s speckled texture, hinting at luxury achieved through modest means.

Technique & Style

Carven employs loose, rapid pencil strokes that convey movement while maintaining clarity of form. Cross‑hatching builds the fabric’s texture, creating a sense of depth and the impression of tiny flecks across the material. The overall style is functional yet elegant, reflecting the designer’s reputation for light, airy constructions.

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. *Cousu d’or* originates from the mid‑1950s, a period when she was expanding her brand’s ready‑to‑wear offerings. The sketch entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains accessible for study.

Context

The mid‑1950s marked a shift in French fashion toward more accessible, mass‑produced garments. Carven’s work, including this sketch, illustrates the blending of haute‑couture craftsmanship with the practicality of ready‑to‑wear, catering especially to women of smaller stature.