Artwork

'Fez'

'Fez', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949
'Fez', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949

'Fez' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

'Fez' is a 1949 image by Marie-Louise Carven, a French fashion designer. The work is a sketch of a woman in a simple suit and hat.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman wearing a loose-fitting, knee-length pant suit with a wide-brimmed hat. The focus is on the clothing, with minimal background detail.

Technique & Style

The image is characterized by quick, light strokes and minimal shading, suggesting a rapid design concept sketch. Bold lines are used to indicate features like zippers or buttons.

History & Provenance

Created in 1949 by Marie-Louise Carven, who founded the house of Carven in 1945, 'Fez' is now part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

Context

Carven was known for designs suited to petite women and for using lightweight fabrics. She was also an early advocate for prêt-à-porter in Parisian fashion.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marie-Louise Carven

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

Marie-Louise Carven (31 August 1909 – 8 June 2015), born Carmen de Tommaso, was a French fashion designer who founded the house of Carven in 1945.