Artwork
'Rapalo'
'Rapalo' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
The drawing is a simple yet elegant depiction of a woman's fashion from the mid-20th century.
This drawing shows a woman in a plaid suit, with a matching hat and heels. Her left arm is bent at the elbow, and her right arm is extended outward.
The woman's suit is a light gray color with a brown plaid pattern. Her hat is also light gray and has a wide brim. The background of the drawing is a plain off-white color.
The drawing is a simple yet elegant depiction of a woman's fashion from the mid-20th century. You can learn more about the artist behind this work by looking up Marie-Louise Carven.
Overview
Rapalo, created in 1949 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a drawing depicting a woman in a plaid suit. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman dressed in a light gray and brown plaid suit, complete with a matching hat and heels, posed with one arm extended and the other bent. The image embodies Carven's focus on petite women's fashion.
Technique & Style
Executed against a plain off-white background, the drawing showcases a simple yet elegant style, characteristic of Carven's emphasis on lightweight fabrics and practical, feminine design.
History & Provenance
Created in 1949 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), 'Rapalo' reflects her pioneering work in prêt-à-porter and innovative lingerie designs.
Context
Emerging in the late 1940s, 'Rapalo' situates itself within the post-war resurgence of French fashion, highlighting the era's shift towards more accessible, ready-to-wear clothing.
Legacy
As part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, 'Rapalo' contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century fashion, illustrating Carven's influence on women's wear during this period.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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GLAMOUR
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Béguinage
