Artwork
Robe à manches courtes bleu marine

Robe à manches courtes bleu marine is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
The piece, titled *Robe à manches courtes bleu marine*, is a fashion illustration dating from around 1959. It depicts a woman wearing a navy short‑sleeved dress with a fitted bodice, a subtly flared skirt, and modest low heels. Adjacent to the figure is a flat technical drawing of the garment, complete with seam markings, emphasizing the design’s construction.
Subject & Meaning
The illustration presents a streamlined silhouette intended for a petite wearer, reflecting the designer’s focus on flattering proportions. The navy hue and simple cut convey an understated elegance suitable for everyday wear, aligning with the mid‑century shift toward accessible, ready‑to‑wear clothing rather than exclusive couture.
Technique & Style
Executed with clean, precise lines, the study prioritizes the dress’s shape over decorative detail. The juxtaposition of a posed figure and a flat pattern underscores the functional aspect of the work, serving both as a visual presentation and a technical guide for garment production.
History & Provenance
Created by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, who established her fashion house in 1945, the illustration belongs to the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Carven’s reputation for lightweight fabrics and early adoption of prêt‑à‑porter is embodied in this study, which documents a design from the late 1950s.
Context
During the post‑war era, Carven was among the pioneers introducing ready‑to‑wear lines in Paris, catering to a broader clientele. This illustration reflects the period’s move toward practicality and mass appeal in fashion, illustrating how designers balanced aesthetic refinement with the demands of everyday wear.
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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