Artwork

Pantalon bordeaux à pli

Pantalon bordeaux à pli, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1963
Pantalon bordeaux à pli, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1963

Pantalon bordeaux à pli is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1963 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Pantalon bordeaux à pli, created circa 1963 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion image featuring a woman in dark red, pleated pants. Now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, it reflects Carven's design aesthetic.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a poised woman with her back to the viewer, embodies confidence and refinement through her stance and attire, including a white top, dark red pants, and high heels. The image conveys a sense of modern, petite elegance, characteristic of Carven's designs.

Technique & Style

The image utilizes bold lines and minimal shading, creating a stark contrast between the subject and a neutral background. This visual approach highlights the simplicity and elegance of the outfit.

History & Provenance

Created around 1963 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneer in prêt-à-porter and designer for petite women, the piece is now housed at the Museum of Ethnography.

Context

Reflecting early 1960s fashion, the work showcases Carven's influence on accessible, high-quality clothing through her eponymous house, established in 1945.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, Pantalon bordeaux à pli contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century French fashion design and Carven's contribution to prêt-à-porter.

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.