Artwork
Millet

Millet is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1958 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 1958, the drawing titled *Millet* is attributed to French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and serves as a visual record of Carven’s design approach during the late 1950s.
Subject & Meaning
The sketch depicts a woman wearing a simple black dress with short sleeves, a flared skirt, and low‑heeled shoes. She is posed with one hand on her hip and the other near her chest, conveying a poised yet relaxed stance that highlights the garment’s silhouette.
Technique & Style
Executed with loose, confident lines, the drawing emphasizes clean geometric shapes rather than decorative detail. The rapid yet precise hand suggests a fashion study intended to capture the overall form of the dress rather than elaborate fabric texture.
History & Provenance
Marie‑Louise Carven, who founded the Carven fashion house in 1945, was among the first Parisian designers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Millet* reflects her early work in translating haute‑couture sensibilities into more accessible designs, and it entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings sometime after its creation.
Context
During the late 1950s, Carven was known for designing for petite women and employing lightweight materials such as lace and gingham. Although *Millet* portrays a monochrome dress, the drawing aligns with her broader aesthetic of simplicity, elegance, and practicality.
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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