Artwork

'Amanda'

'Amanda', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951
'Amanda', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951

'Amanda' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Amanda is a 1951 fashion sketch by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house. The work depicts a woman in a loose, green outfit with distinctive details and is characterized by simple yet confident lines, with yellow accents on the jacket.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, possibly named Amanda or simply titled as such, is portrayed in a relaxed pose, conveying a sense of modern, petite elegance, reflective of Carven's design focus. Her short, neat hair and belted, pocketed outfit suggest practicality and contemporary style.

Technique & Style

Executed with quick, modern flair, the sketch features simple, assured lines and selective yellow highlights, indicative of a fashion design sketch. The overall aesthetic aligns with Carven's penchant for lightweight, feminine fabrics, though the medium here is visual rather than textile.

History & Provenance

Created in 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering Parisian couturier known for introducing prêt-à-porter lines and innovative lingerie designs (including the patented push-up bra), 'Amanda' is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Context

Within the context of 1950s fashion, 'Amanda' reflects the shift towards more accessible, ready-to-wear clothing, a movement Carven was at the forefront of, while also highlighting her attention to the petite female form.

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.