Moka was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1953.

Where can I see Moka?

Moka is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Moka

Marie-Louise Carven , 1953

Moka is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1953 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Moka, created circa 1953, is a fashion design attributed to Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering French designer known for petite-friendly, lightweight creations and early adoption of ready-to-wear. The piece is housed in the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The design depicts a woman in a long, intricately patterned coat (featuring brown, blue, and white shapes), hat, and gloves. Her partially obscured face and turned head add nuance, while the coat's prominence underscores Carven's design focus.

Technique & Style

Characterized by flowing lines and a mix of colors/textures to achieve depth, Moka reflects Carven's signature use of lightweight materials (implied by the design's representation), though the specific materials of 'Moka' itself are not detailed here.

History & Provenance

Dating to the post-war French haute couture era, Moka embodies the period's transition towards more accessible luxury fashion. It is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, indicating its cultural and historical significance.

Context

Moka situates itself within the broader context of 1950s French fashion, where designers like Carven were redefining luxury through more inclusive, ready-to-wear designs, catering to a broader clientele.

Legacy

As a work of Marie-Louise Carven, Moka contributes to the legacy of early ready-to-wear and petite-friendly fashion, influencing subsequent designers in accessibility and design approach.