Artwork
Rose thé

Rose thé is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Rose thé is a fashion sketch created by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1951. The work features a woman in a flowing white dress and is characterized by loose, quick lines with selective shading.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman dressed in a long, white, draped-bodice gown, clutch in hand, suggesting a design for a formal or special occasion. The title 'Rose thé' may imply a thematic or event-specific inspiration, potentially related to tea.
Technique & Style
Executed in a loose, sketchy style, the piece showcases Carven's approach to fashion design. The use of selective shading on the arms and neck adds depth to the overall lightweight, airy feel of the drawing.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven, the sketch is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection. The designer's initials 'C.R.' are marked on the work.
Context
Reflecting Carven's design ethos, the sketch highlights her focus on petite women and likely incorporates her preference for lightweight fabrics, though the medium here is visual rather than textile.
Legacy
As part of Carven's oeuvre, 'Rose thé' contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century French fashion, particularly the development of prêt-à-porter for which Carven was an early advocate.
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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