Artwork

'Eclair n°48'

'Eclair n°48', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949
'Eclair n°48', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949

'Eclair n°48' 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

Éclair n°48 is a drawing created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house, around 1949. The work depicts a woman in a suit and is characterized by black lines with gray shading.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman wearing a tailored suit consisting of a jacket and trousers, accessorized with a belt. Her dynamic pose and elegant attire convey sophistication.

Technique & Style

The drawing features bold black lines with subtle gray shading, creating a sense of depth. The style emphasizes clean lines and minimal detail, focusing on the overall silhouette and pose.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1949 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering Parisian couturier known for designing for petite women and introducing prêt-à-porter lines. The work is currently held in the Museum of Ethnography.

Context

Reflects the post-WWII fashion shift towards more accessible, ready-to-wear clothing, while maintaining haute couture's emphasis on elegance and tailored design.

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.