Octobre was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1955.

Where can I see Octobre?

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

Artwork

Octobre

Marie-Louise Carven , 1955

Octobre is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1955 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 1955 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Octobre* is a quick sketch that captures a woman in a relaxed, contemporary outfit. The drawing is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, illustrating Carven’s interest in everyday fashion as a form of visual study.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is depicted in loose, wide‑legged trousers and a short jacket, complemented by a cap. She holds the jacket sleeve with one hand, a pose that suggests casual movement and a focus on the garment’s silhouette rather than narrative detail. The title, placed in the upper right, evokes the month of October, hinting at a seasonal context.

Technique & Style

Carven employs swift, dark lines with minimal shading, emphasizing primary shapes over intricate texture. Light cross‑hatching on the face and arms provides subtle volume, while the overall execution reflects a rapid, gestural approach typical of fashion illustration in the mid‑twentieth century.

History & Provenance

Founded in 1945, Carven’s fashion house was among the first to launch a ready‑to‑wear line, and this sketch exemplifies the designer’s exploration of accessible clothing. The work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains as a record of Carven’s contribution to post‑war French fashion.