Artwork

Zakousky

Zakousky, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958
Zakousky, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958

Zakousky is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Zakousky is a fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1958. It depicts a woman in a simple black dress alongside a flat, folded drawing of the same design.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a straightforward design study for a petite, knee-length black dress with short sleeves and a fitted waist, reflecting Carven's focus on practical, feminine attire for smaller women.

Technique & Style

Characterized by clean, precise lines, the sketch appears to be a quick, exploratory study, exemplifying Carven's design process with its simplicity and clarity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1958 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (1945), the work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Context

Zakousky reflects Carven's pioneering approach in couture and prêt-à-porter, as well as her innovations in lingerie, such as the patented push-up bra.

Legacy

As part of Carven's oeuvre, Zakousky contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century French fashion design, especially in the context of clothing for petite women.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marie-Louise Carven

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

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.