Artwork

Tailleur bleu marine

Tailleur bleu marine, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1959
Tailleur bleu marine, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1959

Tailleur bleu marine is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1959 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 1959 by French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven, the work titled Tailleur bleu marine depicts a woman dressed in a streamlined navy ensemble. The figure is rendered against an unadorned backdrop, directing attention to the cut and silhouette of the attire. The piece is part of the museum’s marine‑genre collection and is currently housed in the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a poised female model wearing a short, double‑buttoned jacket paired with ankle‑length trousers, both in a deep blue hue. Her hair is neatly gathered, and she rests a hand on her hip, conveying confidence and the understated elegance characteristic of mid‑century women's workwear.

Technique & Style

Executed in a clean, linear manner, the image relies on precise outlines and a muted palette to emphasize form over ornamentation. The absence of decorative background elements highlights the garment’s geometry, while the crisp lines reflect Carven’s preference for simplicity and functional modernity in fashion illustration.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her fashion house in 1945 and quickly became known for designing for petite clients and for using lightweight textiles. By the late 1950s she was also a pioneer of ready‑to‑wear (prêt‑à‑porter) in Paris. Tailleur bleu marine entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection as a representative example of her marine‑themed designs.

Context

The piece illustrates Carven’s contribution to post‑war French fashion, where practicality merged with refined tailoring. The navy suit aligns with the era’s shift toward accessible, mass‑produced clothing that retained a sense of sophistication, reflecting broader trends in women’s professional attire during the late 1950s.

Robe bleu marine avec foulard tenu dans des passants
Robe bleu marine avec foulard tenu dans des passants, Carven

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.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Tailleur bleu marine?

Tailleur bleu marine was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Tailleur bleu marine?

Tailleur bleu marine is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.