Artwork

Parisien

Parisien, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1952
Parisien, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1952

Parisien is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1952 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Parisien* is a drawing that captures a contemporary woman in a sleek, dark coat cinched with a wide belt and a flared skirt. The figure’s hair is pulled back, one hand rests in a pocket, and the composition is signed with the title in the corner, indicating its French origin.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch presents an urban, fashionable silhouette, emphasizing modern elegance through the contrast of a long coat and a flowing skirt. The relaxed pose and confident line work suggest a sense of autonomy and poise, reflecting the post‑war shift toward practical yet stylish attire for women.

Technique & Style

Carven employs loose, assured strokes that leave portions of the paper untouched, creating a sense of immediacy. The drawing’s clean, geometric forms and minimal detailing align with early‑1950s aesthetic trends, highlighting streamlined silhouettes and a restrained palette.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, who founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was known for catering to petite figures with light fabrics, produced this work during her early forays into ready‑to‑wear design. *Parisien* now belongs to the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s broader fashion holdings.

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.