Artwork

'Ma Griffe'

'Ma Griffe', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951
'Ma Griffe', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951

'Ma Griffe' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Ma Griffe, created by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven in 1951, is a fashion drawing depicting a woman in a distinctive long, dark green coat. The piece is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman wearing a tailored, dark green coat characterized by large lapels, a belted waist, puffy shoulders, and a tilted hat. The outfit's simplicity and clean lines reflect Carven's design aesthetic, known for catering to petite women.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose, confident lines, the drawing showcases Carven's sketching technique. The overall style is understated yet elegant, emphasizing the structure and silhouette of the coat.

History & Provenance

Created in 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven (1945), Ma Griffe is notable as part of the designer's contributions to haute couture and early prêt-à-porter. It is now housed at the Museum of Ethnography.

Context

Ma Griffe reflects early 1950s fashion trends and Carven's pioneering approach in designer ready-to-wear. Her designs, often featuring lightweight fabrics, were particularly popular among petite women.

Legacy

As a piece by Marie-Louise Carven, Ma Griffe contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century fashion innovation, especially in the transition to prêt-à-porter, and the designer's influence on accessible, tailored clothing.

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.