Artwork
Lionne

Lionne is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Lionne, created circa 1958, is a fashion sketch by French designer Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The sketch depicts a woman in a long, flowing yellow dress with a draped bustier top, loose wavy pattern, and flared skirt. Her poised stance and neat hairstyle complete the elegant portrayal. The title 'Lionne 68' (in the artist's handwriting) may refer to the design's name or number.
Technique & Style
Executed in a loose and quick manner, the sketch features bold outlines combined with watercolor washes, reflecting Carven's emphasis on lightweight, fluid designs suited for smaller frames.
History & Provenance
Created around 1958 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering Parisian couturier who introduced ready-to-wear lines. The sketch is currently held in the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Context
Lionne reflects Carven's innovative approach to fashion, catering to smaller-framed women with emphasis on comfort and elegance, characteristic of her contributions to mid-20th-century French fashion.
Legacy
As part of Carven's oeuvre, Lionne contributes to the historical record of French couture's evolution, particularly the transition to ready-to-wear and the designer's influence on mid-century fashion aesthetics.
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
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