Jocelyn was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Jocelyn?

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

Artwork

Jocelyn

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Jocelyn is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Jocelyn is a fashion illustration created by French couturier Marie-Louise Carven around 1956. The work, now in the Museum of Ethnography's collection, depicts a woman in a blue and white plaid ensemble.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a stylish woman with short brown hair, embodies Carven's design ethos, which catered to petite women. Her pose and attire, including a plaid jacket, skirt, gloves, and hat, convey a sense of refined, everyday elegance.

Technique & Style

Executed on a light beige background, the drawing showcases Carven's attention to detail in fashion illustration, highlighting textures and nuances of her design through precise rendering of the plaid pattern, accessories, and the model's stance.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1956 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven (1945), Jocelyn reflects the designer's pioneering approach, including her early adoption of prêt-à-porter alongside couture, and her preference for lightweight materials (though not explicitly shown here).

Context

Jocelyn sits within the post-war era's fashion landscape, where designers like Carven were redefining women's wear for a more practical, yet stylish, modern life. The use of plaid and the overall design aligns with the era's trends towards cheerful, versatile clothing.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, Jocelyn serves as a historical artifact of mid-20th-century French fashion, illustrating Carven's contribution to the evolution of haute couture and accessible, high-quality clothing for women.