Artwork

'Malikoko'

'Malikoko', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951
'Malikoko', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951

'Malikoko' 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

Malikoko is a fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1951. The work depicts a woman in a sleek black outfit, rendered in bold lines and light shading. It is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman shown in profile, dressed in a modern black ensemble, with one hand on her head and the other holding a small bag. The pose and attire suggest a focus on contemporary, everyday elegance.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, quick drawing, bold lines, and minimal shading, the sketch embodies Carven’s emphasis on simplicity and the modern silhouette of her designs.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, the founder of the eponymous fashion house (established in 1945), the sketch is now held in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Context

Reflecting Carven’s design philosophy, Malikoko highlights her preference for lightweight materials (implied by the sketch’s simplicity) and her pioneering work in ready-to-wear fashion, catering to petite figures.

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.