Artwork

Manteau bleu clair et chapeau assorti

Manteau bleu clair et chapeau assorti, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1967
Manteau bleu clair et chapeau assorti, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1967

Manteau bleu clair et chapeau assorti is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Manteau bleu clair et chapeau assorti, circa 1967, is a fashion design sketch by Marie-Louise Carven, showcasing a woman in a knee-length, light blue coat with a matching hat.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a casually posed woman in everyday attire, emphasizing Carven's focus on accessible, refined designs for petite figures and daily wear.

Technique & Style

The sketch features simple, confident lines, minimal shading, and a small, simplified pattern detail, reflecting a practical, flat design aesthetic suited for prêt-à-porter.

History & Provenance

Created around 1967, the work is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, highlighting Carven's contribution to Paris's early ready-to-wear movement.

Context

This piece contrasts with the more structured womenswear of the 1920s, illustrating the evolution of fashion towards more casual, accessible styles by the 1960s.

Legacy

Manteau bleu clair et chapeau assorti represents Carven's pioneering work in prêt-à-porter and her influence on designing for the everyday woman, particularly those with petite frames.

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.