Marine Penvern’s Lower East Side boutique, Penvern, houses original expressions of her creativity, which she refers to as Autre Couture. French native and painter, Marine Penvern, has taken a leap beyond paint and canvas, expanding her artistic expression by turning her original designs into a clothing line. In 1990, at the age of 20, Penvern left the Brittany region of France, where she grew up, and headed for New York. She started her career as a scenic painter, working with Spike Lee, Diego Uchitel, Marc Levin, Annie Leibowitz, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill and David LaChappelle.

Penvern became known in artist's circles for her ability to cross over between film, video, books, magazines and theater.  In addition to fine art painting, she's done book illustrations and painted scenery for films, videos, theater and opera, as well as backdrops for many fashion shoots.

“I have always been inspired by the great masters---in art, and in fashion too.  Among them I count Soutine, Turner, Delacroix, Givenchy, Ralph Rucci and Christian Lacroix.  I learn by looking at the clothes-just like looking at a painting.”

"Editors have referred to my clothing as medieval and mythical. The pieces have to be clothes I can move in, clothes I can grow into. It's about collecting pieces to live with. I am careful about fabric selections and like to mix interesting fabrics. I enjoy the journey from conception to a timeless piece of art you can wear-it's freeing.”

Penvern’s work, both clothing and painting, have caught the eye of what she refers to as independent thinkers, artists such as Jeremy Irons, Rosario Dawson, model Kirsten Owen, Veruschka and David Hammons to list a few.  Owen says of Penvern, “ I love Marine’s clothes. They are feminine and strong, her clothes make me feel protected.”

Of her early years, Marine says, “I grew up in a place where the very long past is present, in a family of artists.  Those influences are part of me and my work.”

To round out the offerings at her boutique, Penvern carefully selects jewelry, footwear and accessories which complement her designs and appeal to her sense of style. The boutique also presents exhibitions of the work of local artists, including Penvern herself.