Artwork

Omnibus

Omnibus, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1955
Omnibus, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1955

Omnibus 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

Omnibus, created circa 1955 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion illustration depicting a woman in a distinctive outfit against a plain beige background.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman in a long, dark green checkered dress, white hat, and gloves, exudes elegance and sophistication. The title *Omnibus* suggests a connection to public transportation, possibly reflecting the daily life of a stylish urban woman in the mid-20th century.

Technique & Style

The illustration showcases Carven's emphasis on feminine, tailored designs, suitable for petite women. The simple, high-contrast background highlights the detailed, elegant attire, characteristic of high-end fashion illustration of the time.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (1945) and innovator in prêt-à-porter and lingerie design, *Omnibus* is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Context

Reflecting post-war Parisian fashion, *Omnibus* embodies the era's revival of elegance and the growing accessibility of haute couture through prêt-à-porter lines, a trend Carven helped pioneer.

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.