Artwork
Totem
Totem 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
Totem, created circa 1951 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a simple yet modern sketch of a woman wearing a bright yellow, loose-fitting coat with large pockets.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a woman with hands tucked into the coat's pockets, conveys practicality, potentially symbolizing independence or modernity. The title 'Totem' suggests an underlying symbolic meaning, though its specific interpretation remains ambiguous.
Technique & Style
Executed with simple, quick-sketch lines and minimal detailing, the work reflects Carven's emphasis on clean, modern design, characteristic of her approach to fashion for petite women and everyday practicality.
History & Provenance
Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945 and known for introducing early prêt-à-porter lines), 'Totem' is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
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
Continue through works from the same source collection.
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GLAMOUR
'Renardeau'
Pull-over à manches trois quarts et à encolure V à motifs multicolores, pantalon cerise et lunettes de soleil
Béguinage
