Artwork

Manteau noir à col de fourrure et chapeau assorti

Manteau noir à col de fourrure et chapeau assorti, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1967
Manteau noir à col de fourrure et chapeau assorti, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1967

Manteau noir à col de fourrure et chapeau assorti is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1967 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 1967, this illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven portrays a woman dressed in a sleek black coat with a fur‑trimmed collar, complemented by a matching hat. The figure holds a small black handbag and steps in vivid red shoes, while a secondary, rear‑view sketch offers a simplified outline of the same ensemble.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing emphasizes the contrast between the dark, streamlined coat and the striking accents of fur and red footwear, suggesting a balance of elegance and boldness. By pairing a luxurious collar with vivid shoe colour, Carven highlights how accessories can transform a restrained silhouette into a statement of personal style.

Technique & Style

Carven employs loose, rapid lines that convey the fluidity of fabric and the movement of the figure. The sketch’s minimal shading and gestural strokes focus attention on the garment’s outline and key details, such as the fur collar and the bright shoes, rather than on realistic texture.

History & Provenance

The work belongs to the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s holdings on mid‑20th‑century fashion. Carven, who founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945, was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear concepts and a pioneer in designing for petite women.

Context

During the 1960s, Carven’s designs reflected a shift toward accessible luxury, integrating high‑fashion elements like fur trim into garments that could be produced for broader markets. This illustration exemplifies her approach of marrying refined tailoring with eye‑catching details, aligning with contemporary trends toward individual expression in everyday attire.

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.