Artwork
'Armada'
'Armada' 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
Armada is a 1951 fashion design drawing by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house. The piece is characterized by loose, quick lines reminiscent of a fashion sketch and is housed in the Museum of Ethnography.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman in a relaxed pose wearing a dark blue ensemble consisting of a belted jacket with two large buttons and a skirt with deep pockets, accompanied by a matching hat. The outfit reflects Carven's signature emphasis on lightweight fabrics and petite-friendly designs.
Technique & Style
Executed in a modern style for its time, Armada features loose, rapid lines typical of fashion sketches, conveying a sense of spontaneity and modernity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering Parisian couturier known for introducing prêt-à-porter lines, the work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Context
Reflecting the early 1950s fashion landscape, Armada embodies the transition towards more accessible, ready-to-wear clothing while maintaining haute couture's aesthetic appeal.
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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GLAMOUR
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Béguinage
