Artwork
Talisman

Talisman is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1953 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Talisman, created by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1953, is a drawing depicting a woman in a distinctive dress. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman posed with confidence, wearing a knee-length, long-sleeved dress with horizontal stripes, gloves, and earrings. The image embodies Carven's design ethos, catering to petite women with an emphasis on elegance and comfort.
Technique & Style
Executed in a simple yet elegant style, the drawing features clean lines and minimal details against a solid beige background. The horizontal stripes on the dress add texture and visual interest.
History & Provenance
Created in the early 1950s by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven, known for pioneering prêt-à-porter lines and lightweight fabrics. The piece is currently held by the Museum of Ethnography.
Context
Talisman reflects the transitional fashion era of the 1950s, where couture began to intersect with ready-to-wear. Carven's focus on petite women and accessible luxury contextualizes the work within post-war fashion democratization.
Legacy
As part of Carven's oeuvre, Talisman contributes to the historical record of early prêt-à-porter innovation and the evolution of French fashion's appeal to a broader demographic.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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