Dragon was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Dragon?

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

Artwork

Dragon

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Dragon is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Dragon / Rose is a fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1959. The piece, now in the Museum of Ethnography's collection, depicts a woman in a knee-length dress with bold black-and-red floral prints, accompanied by a jacket with a high collar and long sleeves.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a stylish, petite woman's ensemble, reflecting Carven's focus on designs for smaller frames. The 'Dragon-156' and 'Rose 71' notations suggest a possible collection or design code, though their exact significance remains unclear.

Technique & Style

Executed in a simple yet confident line style, the sketch includes a side view of the jacket and a rear outline of the dress, indicating a quick study or preliminary design. The overall aesthetic aligns with Carven's penchant for lightweight fabrics and clean designs.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1959 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), this piece is notable for being part of a collection by a pioneering couturier who introduced prêt-à-porter lines.

Context

Emerging in the late 1950s, Dragon / Rose sits within the transitional period of fashion moving from haute couture's dominance towards more accessible, ready-to-wear designs, a shift Carven's house was at the forefront of.

Legacy

As part of Carven's oeuvre, Dragon / Rose contributes to the historical record of early prêt-à-porter and the evolution of accessible, stylish fashion for petite women, reflecting the designer's lasting influence on mid-20th-century fashion trends.