Artwork
'Mexincana'

'Mexincana' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Mexincana is a 1951 artwork from the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, primarily showcasing a woman's dark blue, V-neck dress with a ruffled skirt, accompanied by a matching hat and white gloves against a plain white background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman dressed in a fashionable outfit, emphasizing the dress as the central element. The artwork highlights 1950s fashion, specifically Marie-Louise Carven's design aesthetic tailored for petite women, though the subject's physique is not the focus here.
Technique & Style
The artist utilized a range of blue shades to add depth and texture to the dress, demonstrating attention to detail in capturing the fabric's elegance. The plain background ensures the outfit remains the focal point.
History & Provenance
Created in 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven, known for pioneering prêt-à-porter in Paris and designing for petite women using lightweight fabrics. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Context
Reflects the early 1950s Parisian fashion scene, where Carven's designs catered to a broader, petite clientele through accessible, high-quality clothing lines. The use of a simple background was likely to emphasize the design.
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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