Artwork

Kléber

Kléber, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1957
Kléber, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1957

Kléber is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1957, *Kléber* is a fashion illustration by French couturière Marie‑Louise Carven. The work is a drawing that forms part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, showcasing Carven’s design aesthetic during the post‑war period.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a woman wearing a long, patterned coat with a high collar, front buttons, and a cinched waist. She turns her head in profile, topped by a hat, while the light‑toned background highlights the darker garment, emphasizing the coat as the focal point of the composition.

Technique & Style

Rendered in fine line work, the drawing captures the coat’s texture through a network of small, curved strokes that suggest fabric pattern and depth. The delicate rendering reflects Carven’s reputation for working with refined materials such as lace and gingham, translating textile qualities into a two‑dimensional medium.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and became known for designs suited to petite figures and for early advocacy of ready‑to‑wear in Paris. *Kléber* entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, though the precise acquisition details are not recorded in the available sources.

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.