Artwork

Haut blanc à manches courtes et pantalon vert à ceinture nouée

Marie-Louise Carven , 1965

Haut blanc à manches courtes et pantalon vert à ceinture nouée is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1965 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 1965, this illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven depicts a modest ensemble composed of a white short‑sleeved blouse and green trousers secured with a knotted belt. Rendered in a loose, gestural line, the drawing captures a single figure with hair pulled back and one hand resting lightly on the hip, emphasizing the simplicity of the outfit rather than detailed portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents an everyday look intended for petite women, a demographic Carven frequently addressed. The contrast between the crisp white top and the soft green fabric of the trousers, together with the casually tied belt, suggests a balance of elegance and ease, reflecting the designer’s focus on wearable, lightweight clothing for a modern lifestyle.

Technique & Style

The green trousers are suggested through subtle shading that implies a supple material, while the belt’s knot is indicated by a simple loop.

Executed with minimal strokes, the sketch relies on a few decisive lines to convey form and texture. The green trousers are suggested through subtle shading that implies a supple material, while the belt’s knot is indicated by a simple loop. This economical approach mirrors the quick, note‑like quality of fashion illustrations used to communicate design concepts rather than produce finished artworks.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the eponymous fashion house in 1945, was among the first Parisian couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. This particular drawing, dating from the mid‑1960s, resides in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it contributes to the documentation of mid‑century French fashion and the evolution of accessible design.