Artwork
Anémone

Anémone is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Anémone is a 1956 fashion sketch by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the French fashion house Carven. The drawing depicts a woman in a bright red, fitted bodice dress with a flared, tiered skirt, characterized by clean lines and expressive strokes.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a relaxed, petite woman in a Carven design, embodying the brand's focus on petite women's fashion. The name 'Anémone' may allude to the dress's shape or the designer's inspiration.
Technique & Style
The sketch features quick, confident strokes to suggest fabric folds, with a loose yet precise technique that conveys movement without heavy detail. The bold, bright red dress stands out against the simplicity of the lines.
History & Provenance
Created in 1956 by Marie-Louise Carven, the sketch is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, reflecting Carven's pioneering work in prêt-à-porter and innovative design solutions.
Context
Anémone represents Carven's contribution to mid-20th-century French fashion, notably the transition to ready-to-wear and the emphasis on feminine, fitted silhouettes for smaller frames.
Legacy
As part of the Museum of Ethnography, Anémone contributes to the historical record of French couture's evolution, highlighting Carven's influence on accessible, high-fashion designs for petite women.
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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