Kalif was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Kalif?

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

Artwork

Kalif

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Kalif is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Kalif, created circa 1959, is a fashion design sketch by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman in a simple, tailored outfit consisting of a light gray jacket with sharp lapels, a matching skirt, and low heels, complemented by a small cap. The overall design reflects Carven's focus on petite women and lightweight fabrics.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose yet confident lines, the sketch features quick strokes for the face and hands. Notable is the use of short, parallel lines to suggest texture on the jacket's lapels, a technique akin to cross-hatching.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven around 1959, Kalif is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Carven, a pioneering Parisian couturier, introduced prêt-à-porter lines early on after founding her house in 1945.