Who painted Paquerette?

Paquerette was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1951.

Where can I see Paquerette?

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

Artwork

Paquerette

Marie-Louise Carven , 1951

Paquerette is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 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 1951 by French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven, *Paquerette* is a fashion sketch depicting a woman in motion. The drawing, held by the Museum of Ethnography, records a flowing dress with a wide‑brimmed hat, narrow sleeves, and a small handheld bag, illustrating Carven’s design for a petite, elegant silhouette.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown walking, suggesting ease and lightness, qualities central to Carven’s aesthetic. The bold black motifs against a pale fabric emphasize contrast while the simple shoes and modest accessories reinforce the designer’s focus on understated elegance for everyday wear.

Technique & Style

Carven employs swift, gestural lines that convey both movement and the texture of the garment’s material. The loose drawing style captures the drape of the dress and the airy quality of the hat, while the handwritten label at the top identifies the outfit’s name, *Paquerette*.

History & Provenance

Founded in 1945, Carven’s fashion house quickly became known for lightweight fabrics and ready‑to‑wear collections. *Paquerette* reflects the designer’s early post‑war output and is now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, documenting mid‑century French fashion.

Context

During the early 1950s, Carven was among the first Parisian couturiers to launch a prêt‑à‑porter line, catering to women of smaller stature. This sketch exemplifies her commitment to accessible, refined clothing that balanced haute‑couture techniques with practical wearability.