Ollé was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1955.

Where can I see Ollé?

Ollé is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Ollé

Marie-Louise Carven , 1955

Ollé is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1955 by French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven, *Ollé* is a fashion sketch that resides in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. The drawing captures a contemporary design by Carven, whose house was founded a decade earlier and was notable for introducing ready‑to‑wear lines to Parisian fashion.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman wearing a strapless black bodice paired with a striking leopard‑print skirt that widens at the knees. Her hair is gathered back and she holds a small clutch, suggesting a poised, modern femininity. The exclamation "Ollé!" scrawled in the corner conveys a sense of immediacy and excitement about the garment.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, rapid pencil strokes, the sketch emphasizes movement and fluidity rather than precise detailing. The contrast between the tight upper silhouette and the flared skirt is rendered with minimal lines, highlighting Carven’s interest in lightweight fabrics and playful proportions for petite figures.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, who launched her eponymous fashion house in 1945, was among the first Paris designers to offer a prêt‑à‑porter line. *Ollé* reflects this innovative spirit and was later acquired by the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains part of the permanent holdings.

Context

The mid‑1950s saw a shift toward more accessible fashion, with designers like Carven bridging haute couture and everyday wear. The leopard print, a bold pattern for the era, illustrates the period’s growing appetite for exotic motifs within mainstream attire.