Cadix was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Cadix?

Cadix is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Cadix

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Cadix is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1958 by French designer Marie-Louise Carven, *Cadix* is a fashion sketch that captures a woman in a voluminous, round‑skirted dress. The drawing, executed in bold lines and vivid hues, is held in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration portrays a female figure whose hair is styled up, wearing simple shoes and a flowing garment of blue fabric accented with red, hand‑painted floral motifs. A smaller inset shows the dress’s rear, emphasizing its silhouette and construction.

Technique & Style

Carven’s hand‑drawn sketch is loose and rapid, employing thick outlines and bright color washes. The floral decorations appear as spontaneous splatters, suggesting a painterly approach to textile design rather than precise technical drafting.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house in 1945, was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear concepts and innovator of the push‑up bra. *Cadix* reflects her mid‑century aesthetic and entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings as part of its fashion archive.

Context

The work emerges from a period when Carven was expanding her brand beyond couture, experimenting with lightweight fabrics suited to petite women. The sketch’s informal execution aligns with the designer’s interest in accessible, everyday elegance.