Artwork

Pépites d'or

Pépites d'or, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956
Pépites d'or, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956

Pépites d'or is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Pépites d'or is a sketch created by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1956. The image depicts a woman in a strapless dress with a full skirt, characterized by a dark, swirling pattern.

Subject & Meaning

The title Pépites d'or, meaning 'gold nuggets,' suggests the dress's pattern is reminiscent of shiny gold flakes. The simple, elegant design reflects Carven's focus on creating clothing for petite women using lightweight fabrics.

Technique & Style

The sketch is executed in loose, quick lines, giving it a spontaneous, doodle-like quality. The artist's use of expressive lines and minimal detail emphasizes the overall form and style of the dress.

History & Provenance

Pépites d'or is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, created during a period when Carven was establishing herself as a prominent couturier, known for introducing prêt-à-porter lines.

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.