Djinns was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Djinns?

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

Artwork

Djinns

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Djinns is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1959 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 1959 by French couturier Marie-Louise Carven, *Djinns* is a fashion illustration that forms part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. The drawing captures a single figure in a streamlined, loose‑fitting suit, rendered in muted gray‑blue tones with a high collar and wide lapels.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is a woman of modest stature, reflecting Carven’s reputation for designing clothing suited to petite clients. Her posture—balanced on one leg with an arm at her side—conveys a poised, contemporary femininity, while the clean lines of the garment suggest an emphasis on comfort and elegance.

Technique & Style

Carven employs a simple black‑and‑white outline to delineate the silhouette, accompanied by a reverse view that details the jacket’s back seam and the length of the trousers. The use of flat, graphic rendering highlights the garment’s structure rather than decorative detail, aligning with the designer’s focus on lightweight, functional fabrics.

History & Provenance

Founded in 1945, Carven’s fashion house was among the first to launch a ready‑to‑wear line, and the designer is credited with patenting the modern push‑up bra. *Djinns* entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection as an example of mid‑century French fashion illustration, preserving Carven’s contribution to post‑war design.

Context

The late 1950s marked a shift toward more accessible fashion, with designers like Carven bridging haute couture and everyday wear. This illustration reflects that transition, presenting a garment that is both stylish and practical, suitable for the emerging market of women seeking ready‑made, well‑tailored clothing.