Artwork
'Perruche'

'Perruche' 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
Perruche is a fashion drawing created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1951. It depicts a woman in a simple, dark ensemble consisting of a fitted jacket and matching skirt, rendered in dark blue and beige hues with clean lines and loose brushstrokes.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of Perruche is a woman posed in a relaxed manner, conveying a sense of effortless elegance. The outfit showcased is characteristic of Carven’s design aesthetic, tailored for petite figures. The signature 'Perruche' may refer to either the design or the model.
Technique & Style
The drawing exhibits a quick and confident execution, suggesting it was created in a single session. Carven’s use of loose brushstrokes and a restrained color palette (primarily dark blue and beige) reflects her emphasis on simplicity and understated chic.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering figure in ready-to-wear fashion known for her petite-friendly designs and delicate fabrics. The work is currently part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.
Context
Perruche reflects the early 1950s fashion landscape, where ready-to-wear was gaining prominence. Carven’s approach catered to a broader audience seeking stylish, well-tailored clothing without the need for custom fittings.
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
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