Obi

Marie-Louise Carven , 1955

Obi is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Obi, created circa 1955 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion drawing featuring a woman in a coordinating dark, dotted pattern jacket and pants outfit.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman with neatly pulled-back hair, stands in a straightforward pose, emphasizing the simplicity and silhouette of the attire rather than intricate details.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, quick light pencil lines, the sketch prioritizes capturing the overall shape and form of the clothing, characteristic of Carven's focus on clean, accessible design.

History & Provenance

Part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, Obi reflects Carven's pioneering work in Parisian couture, particularly her introduction of prêt-à-porter lines, making high fashion more accessible.

Context

Created by the founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Obi represents the mid-1950s shift towards more relaxed, ready-to-wear fashion, catering to a broader audience, including petite women.

Legacy

As a piece by Carven, Obi contributes to the historical record of early prêt-à-porter innovation in Paris, highlighting the designer's influence on making couture more inclusive and wearable.