Artwork

Manteau kaki

Manteau kaki, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1967
Manteau kaki, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1967

Manteau kaki 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

Created circa 1967 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, the drawing titled *Manteau kaki* depicts a woman wearing an olive‑green, long coat. The illustration is held in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and serves as a visual record of Carven’s approach to everyday elegance during the late 1960s.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown in motion, one foot forward, hair pulled back, emphasizing a poised yet practical demeanor. The coat’s generous pockets and belted waist suggest functionality, while the muted hue conveys understated sophistication, reflecting Carven’s focus on garments suited to petite women and casual wear.

Technique & Style

Carven employs loose, confident strokes that capture the silhouette and drape of the fabric without intricate detailing. The sketch balances line work with minimal shading, allowing the overall shape and texture of the coat to emerge through suggestion rather than precise rendering.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear concepts, also known for inventing the push‑up bra. *Manteau kaki* was produced during a period when she was expanding her prêt‑à‑porter line, and the work later entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, where it remains accessible to scholars and the public.

Context

The illustration reflects the broader 1960s shift toward more accessible, versatile clothing, moving away from highly structured couture. Carven’s emphasis on lightweight fabrics and practical design aligns with contemporary trends that favored comfort and ease of movement for a modern woman.

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.