Artwork
Aladin
Aladin is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1953 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1953, Aladin is a fashion illustration attributed to the French house Carven. The drawing is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑century ready‑to‑wear design. The work captures a single figure in a stylised pose, emphasizing the silhouette of a contemporary outfit.
Subject & Meaning
The sketch depicts a woman dressed in a dark, streamlined ensemble accented by vivid red stripes along the front. She wears a knee‑length skirt, a fitted jacket with oversized buttons, and a matching red headband. One hand rests on her hip while the other extends forward, suggesting a presentation of the garment, perhaps as a model showcasing the collection.
Technique & Style
Executed with loose, confident lines, the drawing employs quick strokes that convey the smoothness of the fabric. The contrast between the dark base and the bold red accents is rendered with minimal shading, relying on line weight to suggest depth. The overall aesthetic reflects Carven’s reputation for sleek, modern silhouettes and a playful use of colour.
History & Provenance
Aladin dates to the early 1950s, a period when Carven was expanding its ready‑to‑wear line. The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through acquisition (or donation) sometime after its creation, where it now serves as a reference point for the era’s fashion illustration practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
Continue through works from the same source collection.
