Artwork
Flammes

Flammes 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
Flammes, created circa 1951 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion drawing depicting a woman in a vibrant, patterned outfit. The piece is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman wearing a loose, bright ensemble with a striped top and a shorter, similarly patterned skirt. The relaxed pose and bold, fiery colors (red, green, yellow) may evoke the idea of 'flames', as suggested by the work's title.
Technique & Style
While the specific medium of 'Flammes' is not detailed here, Marie-Louise Carven's known affinity for lightweight fabrics (like lace and gingham) and her design approach for petite women might influence the drawing's style, emphasizing fluidity and vibrant color use.
History & Provenance
Created around 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), 'Flammes' is now held in the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Carven was pivotal in Paris's prêt-à-porter movement.
Context
'Flammes' reflects early 1950s Parisian fashion trends, particularly the burgeoning prêt-à-porter market. Carven's focus on petite women and her use of bright, playful patterns situates the work within post-war fashion's shift towards accessibility and vibrancy.
Legacy
As part of Carven's oeuvre, 'Flammes' contributes to the legacy of a pioneer in accessible, modern French fashion. However, its specific impact or influence within the broader context of fashion history is not explicitly detailed in the available information.
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
Continue through works from the same source collection.



















