Aiglon was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1960.

Where can I see Aiglon?

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

Artwork

Aiglon

Marie-Louise Carven , 1960

Aiglon is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1960 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

The drawing features a profile view of the figure, one hand placed on the hip, and a miniature flat sketch of the same garment hanging to the right.

Created circa 1960 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Aiglon* is a fashion illustration depicting a woman in a streamlined black dress. The drawing features a profile view of the figure, one hand placed on the hip, and a miniature flat sketch of the same garment hanging to the right. The composition is set against an almost empty background, emphasizing the silhouette and the garment’s form.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration presents a single, elegantly dressed woman, highlighting the dress’s clean lines, high neckline, and subtle flare at the hem. By focusing on the pose and the garment’s silhouette, Carven underscores the appeal of refined simplicity and the ease of movement that characterized her designs for petite, modern women.

Technique & Style

Carven employed swift, loose strokes to outline the figure and the dress, capturing the garment’s structure with minimal detail. The use of negative space around the subject draws attention to the contour of the dress, while the small flat rendering on a hanger serves as a technical reference for the design.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear collections, as well as the inventor of the first push‑up bra. *Aiglon* was produced around 1960, reflecting her mature period of design. The drawing is now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Context

The piece emerges from a post‑war era when French couture began to embrace more accessible, lightweight fabrics and practical silhouettes for a broader clientele. Carven’s focus on petite women and breathable materials such as lace and gingham aligns with the broader shift toward everyday elegance in mid‑century fashion.