Ibis was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Ibis?

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

Artwork

Ibis

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Ibis 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

Created circa 1958, Ibis is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The drawing presents a woman in a light pink, short‑sleeved dress cinched at the waist, with dark shoes and hair pulled back. A second sketch of the same garment hangs on a hanger, while the title “Ibis” appears in the corner, hinting at an internal reference.

Subject & Meaning

The composition juxtaposes a fully rendered figure with a detached design study, emphasizing the relationship between finished attire and its conceptual development. The casual pose, hand resting on the head, suggests a moment of contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the garment’s practicality and aesthetic appeal within everyday dress.

Technique & Style

Carven employs loose, rapid lines characteristic of mid‑century fashion sketches, allowing the form of the dress to emerge with minimal detail. The use of soft pink against a stark outline highlights the lightweight fabrics she favored, such as lace and gingham, while the sketch on the hanger underscores the iterative nature of design work.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the eponymous fashion house in 1945, was noted for creating ready‑to‑wear collections for petite women and for pioneering early prêt‑à‑porter in Paris. Ibis entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s broader exploration of clothing as cultural artifact.

Artist & collection

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.

Museum

Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris

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