Artwork

Somalie

Somalie, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1963
Somalie, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1963

Somalie 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.

About this work

Overview

Somalie is a drawing created by Marie-Louise Carven, a French fashion designer, around 1963. It is held in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman wearing an elegant dress with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a flowing skirt, accessorized with a belt and cummerbund. Her hairstyle is an updo, and she has a subtle smile.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of lines and shading creates a sense of depth and dimensionality. The signature is visible in the bottom-right corner, indicating the work is an original piece by Carven.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louise Carven founded the fashion house Carven in 1945 and was among the first couturiers to introduce a prêt-à-porter line, indicating her influence on modernizing fashion.

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.