Artwork

Manteau rayé à file ceinture et chapeau

Manteau rayé à file ceinture et chapeau, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1967
Manteau rayé à file ceinture et chapeau, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1967

Manteau rayé à file ceinture et chapeau 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, this fashion illustration by Marie‑Louise Carven depicts a woman wearing a striped coat cinched at the waist with a bow‑tied belt and complemented by a round hat. The drawing is executed with swift, clean lines and minimal shading, emphasizing the garment’s silhouette and the contrast of the vertical stripes against the simple dress underneath.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a contemporary, everyday figure rather than a stylized ideal, highlighting Carven’s focus on practicality and elegance for petite women. The belt knot and hat serve as focal points, underscoring the designer’s attention to coordinated accessories that complete a cohesive, ready‑to‑wear ensemble.

Technique & Style

Rendered in quick, confident strokes, the sketch relies on a limited line palette and subtle shadowing to suggest volume. The use of cross‑hatching is restrained, providing just enough tonal variation to define the coat’s drape while maintaining a light, sketch‑like quality typical of mid‑century fashion drawings.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and quickly became known for lightweight fabrics and petite tailoring. By the late 1960s she was championing prêt‑à‑porter in Paris, and this illustration reflects that period’s shift toward accessible, mass‑produced fashion. The work remains part of the Carven archive, documenting her design approach during a pivotal era.

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.