Artwork
Manteau ample crème

Manteau ample crème 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
The drawing titled *Manteau ample crème* depicts a woman in a long, cream‑colored coat with a wide collar, cinched at the waist, accompanied by a dress, gloves and heels. Rendered in a light‑toned background, the figure’s short hair and downward gaze convey a poised, formal presence, while the clean, minimal lines emphasize a refined elegance.
Subject & Meaning
The illustration presents a stylized portrait of a fashionable lady prepared for a formal occasion. The coat’s generous silhouette and subtle belt suggest both comfort and poise, reflecting the designer’s focus on garments that accommodate a petite figure while maintaining a sophisticated, understated allure.
Technique & Style
Executed with simple, fluid lines, the drawing relies on a restrained palette and limited detailing to convey texture and form. The emphasis on silhouette over ornamentation mirrors mid‑century modernist tendencies, allowing the garment’s shape and proportion to communicate its aesthetic rather than elaborate embellishment.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1957 by French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven, the work originates from a designer noted for lightweight fabrics such as lace and gingham and for pioneering ready‑to‑wear collections. Carven founded her eponymous house in 1945 and was among the first to bridge haute couture and prêt‑à‑porter. The drawing now resides in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.
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
Continue through works from the same source collection.














