Artwork
Cytise
Cytise 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
Cytise is a 1956 fashion sketch by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Parisian fashion house Carven. The piece is a quick, confident study for a woman's garment, now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The sketch depicts a woman in a loose, knee-length black dress with bright yellow-green floral patterns, paired with a wide-brimmed hat and a small bag. The design reflects Carven's focus on petite women and lightweight fabrics.
Technique & Style
Executed with quick, assured lines and subtle shading to indicate fabric folds, the sketch embodies Carven's design approach. The inclusion of the name 'Cytise' in the corner may designate the dress's title.
History & Provenance
Created in 1956 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering Parisian couturier who introduced prêt-à-porter lines, Cytise is now housed in the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Context
Reflecting 1950s womenswear trends, Cytise suggests a design intended for everyday city wear, aligning with Carven's emphasis on accessible, stylish clothing for petite frames.
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
