Artwork

'Perruche'

'Perruche', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951
'Perruche', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951

'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

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.