Who painted Vétiver?

Vétiver was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1960.

Where can I see Vétiver?

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

Artwork

Vétiver

Marie-Louise Carven , 1960

Vétiver is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1960 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 1960 by French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven, *Vétiver* is a fashion illustration that records a long, dark coat with pronounced lapels, a high collar and a subtle A‑line silhouette. The drawing pairs a side view of the garment on a standing figure with a flat, line‑drawing pattern, and the title appears in the lower corner, suggesting a model name or fragrance reference.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration presents a solitary female figure, poised sideways, one hand concealed in a pocket while the other hangs loosely. The emphasis on the coat’s structure—its weight, cut, and lapel size—highlights Carven’s interest in tailoring garments that combine elegance with practicality, reflecting her reputation for designing lightweight, flattering attire for petite women.

Technique & Style

Carven employs rapid, sketchy strokes that leave portions of the surface unfinished, creating a sense of immediacy. The juxtaposition of a gestural figure drawing with a precise, flat pattern underscores the dual concerns of artistic conception and technical construction, a method common in mid‑century fashion studios where design and production intersected.

History & Provenance

Founded in 1945, Carven was among the first Parisian houses to launch a ready‑to‑wear line, bridging haute couture and mass market. *Vétivet* entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, where it contributes to the institution’s broader collection of fashion artifacts that document the evolution of 20th‑century dressmaking.