Artwork

Rond-point

Rond-point, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1963
Rond-point, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1963

Rond-point 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. Rond‑point, executed in 1963, is a painted image attributed to French fashion entrepreneur Marie‑Louise Carven.

About this work

Overview

Rond‑point, executed in 1963, is a painted image attributed to French fashion entrepreneur Marie‑Louise Carven. The work forms part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings and presents a stylised portrait of a woman dressed for a formal occasion.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure wears a blue, knee‑length dress, white gloves, and matching blue shoes, complemented by a white hat. To the right, a diminutive sketch of a white dress appears, suggesting an alternative or complementary ensemble and inviting contemplation of choice and presentation in fashion.

Technique & Style

Rendered against a light beige background, the composition relies on flat colour areas and clear outlines, emphasizing the silhouette of the attire rather than detailed facial features. The palette of blue and white creates a restrained elegance that mirrors mid‑century French couture aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Carven, who founded her eponymous house in 1945, was among the first couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line and secured a patent for the modern push‑up bra. Rond‑point entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection at an unspecified date, reflecting the institution’s interest in fashion as cultural artifact.

Context

Created during a period when Carven was expanding her brand beyond haute couture, the image exemplifies her focus on petite women and lightweight fabrics such as lace and gingham. The work thus illustrates the designer’s broader commitment to accessible elegance within the early 1960s fashion landscape.

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.