Indigo was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Indigo?

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

Artwork

Indigo

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Indigo 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

Indigo, created circa 1958, is a visual representation associated with Marie-Louise Carven, a French fashion designer known for her petite-friendly, lightweight designs and pioneering work in Paris's ready-to-wear scene. The piece is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The image features a woman in a knee-length, dark blue coat with a wide collar, belt, and subtle sheen, conveying understated sophistication. Accompanying line drawings offer design comparisons, highlighting the coat’s details and elegance.

Technique & Style

The work combines a detailed, smooth-fabric-appearing front view of the coat with a simple line drawing of its back, showcasing both the garment’s aesthetic and its design. The overall style evokes refinement through the subject’s attire and pose.

History & Provenance

Created around 1958 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pivotal figure in French ready-to-wear, 'Indigo' is now housed in the Museum of Ethnography, reflecting its recognized cultural and historical value.

Context

Emerging from 1950s Paris, 'Indigo' reflects the era’s fashion trends and Carven’s influence on accessible, petite-focused ready-to-wear, contrasting with prevailing haute couture norms.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, 'Indigo' contributes to the historical record of French fashion’s evolution, particularly the rise of ready-to-wear and Carven’s contributions to this shift.