Artwork

Flamme

Flamme, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1963
Flamme, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1963

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

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.