Artwork
Flamme

Flamme is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1963 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1963 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Flamme* is a fashion illustration that captures a woman in a striking red dress. The image is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and exemplifies Carven’s reputation for refined, lightweight garments aimed at petite figures.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing presents a poised female figure whose body faces forward while her head turns slightly left. Her hair is arranged in an updo, and she wears black high‑heeled shoes, suggesting a blend of elegance and modern femininity typical of early 1960s haute couture.
Technique & Style
Rendered with precise line work, the illustration emphasizes the dress’s structural details: a sleeveless, V‑neck silhouette, a pleated skirt ending just below the knee, a cinching belt, and a vertical row of front buttons. The use of bold red against a restrained palette highlights the garment’s sophistication.
History & Provenance
Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the first couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Flamme* reflects her early 1960s output and was later acquired by the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains on display.
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
Continue through works from the same source collection.



















