Artwork
'Amanda'

'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
Artist
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.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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