Artwork

'De ci-de là'

'De ci-de là', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949
'De ci-de là', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949

'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

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.