Artwork
'De ci-de là'

'De ci-de là' 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
De ci-de là, created in 1949 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a seminal work in her portfolio, reflecting her penchant for designing with lightweight fabrics for petite women.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays a woman in a long, dark, lightweight dress with short sleeves, buttons, and a subtle sheen, conveying understated elegance. Her pose, with one arm extended and the other on her hip, suggests confidence and modernity.
Technique & Style
The dress's design emphasizes simplicity and style, characteristic of Carven's approach. The use of a plain off-white background highlights the garment's details and the model's accessories, such as high heels and a short, curly bob.
History & Provenance
Created in 1949 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), *De ci-de là* is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Context
*De ci-de là* reflects the post-WWII shift towards more accessible, prêt-à-porter fashion, a movement Carven was at the forefront of, while maintaining her couture aesthetic.
Legacy
As an early example of Carven's work, *De ci-de là* highlights her influence on mid-20th-century fashion, particularly in designing for petite women and popularizing ready-to-wear lines among couturiers.
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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