Artwork

Hiver

Hiver, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958
Hiver, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958

Hiver 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

Hiver, created circa 1958 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion illustration depicting a woman in a formal brown coat and skirt ensemble, characterized by bold lines and minimal shading in its simple yet elegant style.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman with short hair, posed with her left leg slightly bent, wearing white gloves and high heels, embodying a sophisticated, petite figure - a hallmark of Carven's design focus.

Technique & Style

Executed in a straightforward, bold-lined technique with minimal shading, the drawing reflects Carven's penchant for emphasizing clean, elegant designs, likely intended to showcase a prêt-à-porter or couture look.

History & Provenance

Hiver is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, highlighting its recognized value within the realm of fashion history and design heritage.

Context

Created during a pivotal time for Parisian prêt-à-porter, Hiver situates Carven as a pioneer in accessible, high-fashion designs for the petite figure, favoring lightweight materials, though not explicitly showcased in this piece.

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.