Paule was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1955.

Where can I see Paule?

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

Artwork

Paule

Marie-Louise Carven , 1955

Paule 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

This sketch shows a woman in a simple, flowing dress with a square neckline and a bow at the waist.

This sketch shows a woman in a simple, flowing dress with a square neckline and a bow at the waist. The dress has a light blue pattern on a lighter background, and the skirt flares out gently. The drawing is loose and quick, with soft shading for the face and arms.

The name *Paule* is written in the top right corner, possibly the model’s name or the dress design. The style looks clean and elegant, like something from the mid-20th century.

Check out Marie-Louise Carven to see more of her fashion sketches.

Overview

Paule is a mid-20th century fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1955. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman wearing a simple, flowing dress with a square neckline, waist bow, and light blue patterned fabric. The subject's identity is suggested by the name 'Paule' inscribed in the top right corner, potentially referring to the model or the design itself.

Technique & Style

Executed in a loose and quick drawing style, the sketch features soft shading on the face and arms, conveying a clean and elegant aesthetic characteristic of mid-century fashion design.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), *Paule* reflects her approach to designing for petite women using lightweight fabrics. The piece is now held in the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Context

As a pioneering Parisian couturier who introduced prêt-à-porter lines, Carven's work, including *Paule*, sits within the broader context of post-war fashion's shift towards more accessible, ready-to-wear clothing.