Artwork

Nefertiti

Nefertiti, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1964
Nefertiti, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1964

Nefertiti is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Nefertiti, created around 1964 by French couturier Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion design embodying her house's aesthetic. Founded in 1945, Carven's maison catered to petite figures with delicate materials and pioneering ready-to-wear lines.

Subject & Meaning

The depicted woman, styled as 'Nefertiti', exudes confidence and poise. Her attire—a black swimsuit with a vibrant multicolored collar—contrasts against a plain white background, highlighting the subject's assertive posture and expression.

Technique & Style

The design showcases Carven's signature blend of light construction and refined detailing, evident in the intricate collar detail set against the simplicity of the black swimsuit.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid-1960s, 'Nefertiti' reflects Carven's influence in Parisian fashion, particularly in ready-to-wear. The piece's specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Emerging from 1960s Paris, 'Nefertiti' captures the era's fashion shift towards more accessible, yet stylish, clothing. Carven's approach to petite sizing and ready-to-wear positioned her at the forefront of this movement.

Legacy

'Nefertiti' represents Carven's contribution to making high fashion more inclusive and accessible. The piece, with its confident subject and meticulous design, embodies the Carven house's enduring impact on French couture and beyond.

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.