Artwork

Pull-over à manches trois quarts et à encolure V à motifs multicolores, pantalon cerise et lunettes de soleil

Marie-Louise Carven , 1965

Pull-over à manches trois quarts et à encolure V à motifs multicolores, pantalon cerise et lunettes de soleil is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1965 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. The drawing presents a pair of women side by side, each wearing oversized sunglasses and a loose‑fitting, multicolored V‑neck pullover.

About this work

Overview

The drawing presents a pair of women side by side, each wearing oversized sunglasses and a loose‑fitting, multicolored V‑neck pullover. One figure is matched with a bright cherry‑red skirt, the other with a vivid green skirt. Simple, confident lines and rapid brushstrokes convey a casual, contemporary mood, while the numbers 8092 and 8091 appear beside the figures as likely design references.

Subject & Meaning

The composition juxtaposes two sartorial variations of the same ensemble, emphasizing the versatility of the pullover’s pattern through contrasting skirt colors. The relaxed posture and shared accessories suggest a shared identity or collective style, while the playful use of colour underscores a light‑hearted, modern approach to women's fashion in the mid‑1960s.

Technique & Style

Executed in quick, fluid brushstrokes, the sketch relies on minimal line work to define form, allowing the vivid textile patterns to dominate the visual field. The artist’s hand balances spontaneity with clarity, using bold outlines to separate the garments from the figures, and the limited palette highlights the multicolored fabric without overwhelming the composition.

History & Provenance

Created around 1965, the image is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and is linked to French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, who founded her house in 1945 and was known for lightweight, ready‑to‑wear designs for petite women. The drawing’s inventory numbers suggest it served as a design reference or sample within Carven’s archives.