Artwork

Palets d'or

Palets d'or, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958
Palets d'or, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958

Palets d'or 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

Palets d'or, created circa 1958, is a fashion drawing by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Parisian fashion house Carven. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman in a yellow dress with a white hat and heels, her left hand poised on her hip. The attire features a collared neckline with a bow. The subject embodies Carven's design focus on petite women, showcasing a tailored, feminine look.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a simple, elegant style, the drawing utilizes bold lines and minimal shading. The color palette is predominantly muted, with the yellow dress serving as the sole vibrant accent.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven around 1958, the drawing is now held in the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Carven, a pioneer in Parisian couture, introduced prêt-à-porter lines early in her career, founding her house in 1945.

Context

Palets d'or reflects Carven's approach to fashion, emphasizing lightweight fabrics and designs suited to petite women, characteristic of her contributions to mid-20th-century Parisian fashion.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, Palets d'or serves as a charming example of Carven's aesthetic and technique, offering insight into her design philosophy and the era's fashion trends.

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.