Artwork
Montagnes bleues
Montagnes bleues is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1962 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 1962, Montagnes bleues is a fashion illustration by Marie‑Louise Carven, a French designer noted for lightweight garments and clothing for petite women. The drawing is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is presented as a monochrome sketch that emphasizes line and form rather than colour.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a woman in a long, dark coat with a high collar, complemented by a large hat and gloves. She stands upright, one hand placed on her hip, conveying poise and elegance. The title, translating to “blue mountains,” suggests the work functions as a study of silhouette and drapery rather than a literal portrait.
Technique & Style
Carven employs swift, assured strokes to render the coat’s sharp folds and the texture of the fabric. Rendered in black and gray tones, the sketch relies on contrast and line density to suggest volume, reflecting the designer’s emphasis on lightweight construction and streamlined aesthetics.
History & Provenance
Founded in 1945, Carven’s fashion house was among the first in Paris to launch a ready‑to‑wear line, and the designer later patented the push‑up bra. Montagnes bleues entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, where it remains accessible for study of mid‑century French fashion illustration.
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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GLAMOUR
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Béguinage
