Yatagam was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1953.

Where can I see Yatagam?

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

Artwork

Yatagam

Marie-Louise Carven , 1953

Yatagam 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

Yatagam is a fashion illustration dating from the early 1950s, attributed to French designer Marie‑Louise Carven.

Yatagam is a fashion illustration dating from the early 1950s, attributed to French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. Rendered in a loose, sketch‑like manner on a light beige field, the drawing depicts a woman in a sharply tailored black ensemble with pronounced shoulder lines and a cinched waist, her arms extended outward while holding small objects. The work resides in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The figure presents a stylized, modern woman whose posture and accessories suggest a blend of elegance and functionalism. The title, Yatagam, appears handwritten in the margin, hinting at a possible cultural reference or narrative that the designer intended to evoke, though its precise significance remains ambiguous.

Technique & Style

Carven’s drawing employs minimal, fluid lines that convey the garment’s structure without heavy detailing. The stark contrast between the dark silhouette and the pale background emphasizes the silhouette’s geometric qualities, reflecting the mid‑century shift toward streamlined silhouettes and the emerging influence of ready‑to‑wear aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1953, the illustration emerged shortly after Carven founded her eponymous house in 1945 and introduced one of the first Parisian ready‑to‑wear lines. The piece later entered the Museum of Ethnography, where it is catalogued as part of the institution’s fashion holdings.

Context

During the post‑war era, women’s fashion moved toward practicality and accessibility, with designers like Carven pioneering lighter fabrics and designs for smaller frames. Yatagam reflects these trends, aligning with broader developments in 1930s‑to‑1950s womenswear that emphasized shoulder emphasis, waist definition, and a move away from elaborate ornamentation.