Artwork
Manteau ample bleu

Manteau ample bleu 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
Manteau ample bleu, circa 1957, is a drawing depicting a woman in a blue coat, white skirt, and heels, set against a white background. The artwork showcases a moment of everyday elegance through expressive lines and shading.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a woman with short hair in a walking pose, embodies a sense of modern, petite femininity, reflecting the designer's focus on clothing for smaller frames. The attire suggests a blend of comfort and sophistication.
Technique & Style
The drawing employs soft, flowing lines for the coat, contrasting with more defined shapes for the skirt and heels, creating a dynamic interplay of texture and movement. This stylistic choice highlights the garment's design and the subject's motion.
History & Provenance
Created around 1957 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering French couturier known for her lightweight fabrics and petite-friendly designs, the piece is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Context
Manteau ample bleu sits at the intersection of haute couture's evolution towards prêt-à-porter and the mid-20th-century aesthetic of understated elegance, reflecting Carven's transitional role in French fashion.
Legacy
While primarily a fashion designer, this drawing contributes to the visual archive of Carven's design philosophy, illustrating her influence on accessible, refined fashion for the modern woman.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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