Artwork

'Côte d'Ivoire'

'Côte d'Ivoire', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949
'Côte d'Ivoire', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949

'Côte d'Ivoire' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Côte d'Ivoire is a 1949 image by Marie-Louise Carven, a French fashion designer. The work is a sketch of a woman wearing a sleeveless, patterned dress.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman in a relaxed pose, with a dress featuring bold, swirling patterns in green, yellow, and black. The patterns may be inspired by natural forms, such as shells or leaves. The title 'Côte d'Ivoire' suggests a connection to the West African country.

Technique & Style

The image is characterized by loose, quick lines, giving it a spontaneous, sketch-like quality. The bold patterns on the dress are rendered in a simple, graphic style.

History & Provenance

The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Marie-Louise Carven founded the fashion house Carven in 1945 and was a pioneer in introducing prêt-à-porter lines.

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.