Artwork

Amande

Amande, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1957
Amande, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1957

Amande is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Amande, created circa 1957 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a sketch depicting a woman in casual attire. The piece is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman standing sideways, dressed in a short-sleeved, button-front shirt and loose pants, conveying a relaxed, everyday persona. A small inset sketch of the shirt may indicate a design note or pattern variation.

Technique & Style

Executed in quick, simple lines, Amande resembles a rapid fashion sketch, reflecting Carven's design process. The informal style contrasts with the precision often associated with haute couture.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established 1945), Amande later entered the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Carven was a pioneer in prêt-à-porter and held a patent for the push-up bra.

Context

Amande reflects mid-20th-century shifts in fashion towards more casual, accessible clothing, aligning with Carven's approach to designing for petite women and her role in popularizing ready-to-wear.

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.