Who painted Prince de Galles?

Prince de Galles was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Prince de Galles?

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

Artwork

Prince de Galles

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Prince de Galles 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

Prince de Galles is a fashion design sketch created by Marie-Louise Carven around 1956. The work features a woman in a loose, plaid jacket and matching pants, accessorized with a wide-brimmed orange hat and a small orange bag. Executed in quick, sketchy lines with vibrant colors against a plain background, the piece showcases Carven's design aesthetic.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Prince de Galles embodies Carven's focus on petite women, though the depicted figure's long, straight legs somewhat diverge from this specialty. The overall design reflects Carven's penchant for lightweight, versatile fashion, even if the specific fabrics (like lace or gingham, for which she was known) are not immediately evident in this sketch.

Technique & Style

The sketch employs quick, expressive lines to convey a sense of simplicity and elegance. The bold, pop colors (notably the bright orange hat and bag) set against a neutral background highlight the outfit's details, characteristic of Carven's emphasis on accessible, modern fashion design.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1956 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven (established in 1945), Prince de Galles is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Carven was a pioneer in prêt-à-porter and also invented the first patented push-up bra, reflecting her innovative approach to fashion.

Context

Prince de Galles sits within the broader context of 1950s fashion, where designers were increasingly catering to a wider market through prêt-à-porter lines. Carven's work, including this sketch, contributed to this shift towards more accessible, modern clothing.

Legacy

While Prince de Galles itself may not be widely recognized outside of its collection, it represents Carven's contributions to making high fashion more accessible and her influence on mid-20th-century fashion trends, especially in designing for petite frames and innovating in lingerie.