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2024-05-07 10:35:45

Charles Frederick Worth

English fashion designer and father of haute couture
English fashion designer and father of haute couture

Charles Frederick Worth, founder of House of Worth, revolutionized fashion in 19th century. Known for live models and branded labels.

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1825-10-13
Birth of Charles Frederick Worth

Charles Frederick Worth was born in England and later became a prominent figure in the fashion industry, known for his innovative designs and contributions to haute couture.

1845
Charles Frederick Worth joins the firm of Gagelin and Co. in Paris

At the age of 22, Worth joined Gagelin and Co. in Paris, where he quickly rose to become a department head within a few years. He stayed with the firm for twelve years, making significant contributions to the fashion industry.

1851
Prize-winning designs at the Great Exhibition in London

In 1851, Charles Frederick Worth's designs were exhibited at the Great Exhibition in London, where they garnered recognition and acclaim. This event helped to solidify his reputation as a talented and innovative designer in the fashion world.

1855
Charles Frederick Worth wins first prize at the 1855 Paris Exposition

In 1855, Charles Frederick Worth submitted a court mantle in white silk with gold thread embroidery, designed by himself, which won the first prize at the Paris Exposition. The mantle was valued at 3000 dollars.

1858
Charles Frederick Worth establishes his own fashion house

In 1858, Charles Frederick Worth founded his own fashion house after gaining recognition for his exceptional designs and contributions to the firms he worked for. This marked the beginning of his influential career as a pioneering couturier.

1859-12
Charles Frederick Worth meets Princess de Metternich

In December 1859, Charles Frederick Worth and his wife encountered Princess de Metternich near the imperial Tuileries Palace. Impressed by her elegance and grandeur, Worth saw an opportunity to showcase his designs to her. This encounter marked the beginning of a significant relationship that would lead to the establishment of the House of Worth, the first Haute Couture fashion house.

1860
Success with Princess de Metternich's Ball Dress

In 1860, a ball dress designed by Charles Frederick Worth for Princess de Metternich was admired by Empress Eugénie, leading to Worth becoming the favorite designer and dressmaker of the Empress.

1862
Charles Frederick Worth dresses princesses and empresses

Within 15 years of his arrival in Paris, Charles Frederick Worth gained recognition for dressing princesses and empresses, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in haute couture and high fashion.

1868
House of Worth becomes the epicentre of good taste and elegance

By 1868, the House of Worth, with the Empress's patronage, had transformed into the center of exquisite taste and sophistication, revolutionizing the world of fashion. Visitors were welcomed by well-mannered young men in frock-coats and led through luxurious drawing rooms showcasing a variety of fabrics and creations.

1869
Worth dresses for the opening of the Suez Canal

For the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Empress Eugénie needed 250 Worth dresses, showcasing the scale of Worth's business with the Empress and his extravagant evening wear creations.

1870
Charles Frederick Worth becomes sole proprietor of the business

In 1870, Charles Frederick Worth took over as the sole proprietor of the dressmaking business, further solidifying his influence and reputation in the fashion world.

1874-04
Establishment of the House of Worth

In April 1874, the House of Worth, founded by Charles Frederick Worth, was described as a thriving empire with immense workshops specializing in different aspects of dressmaking. The fashion house employed around 1,200 staff members and produced thousands of dresses annually.

1875
Expansion of Worth's Design House

Charles Frederick Worth expanded his design house into a successful business starting from 1875 with his talent in design and promotion.

1882
Evening dress designed by Charles Frederick Worth

The artwork is an evening dress designed by Charles Frederick Worth around 1882. It is part of the House of Worth, a French design house established in 1858.

1889-07-02
Publication of 'How a Lincolnshire Man Became a Famous Paris Milliner'

The Peterborough Express published an article detailing the early life of Charles Frederick Worth, highlighting his background and journey to becoming a renowned fashion designer.

1890-04-01
Charles Frederick Worth overseeing the details of a toilette

Charles Frederick Worth was deeply involved in the creation of dresses at his establishment, personally overseeing the delicate finishing details of a toilette such as corsage shaping, scarf tying, and placement of artificial flowers on the skirt.

1891
Founding of the House of Paquin

In 1891, the House of Paquin was founded, posing the first challenge to the primacy of the House of Worth. Worth began losing clients to this new concern during the 1890s.

1894-01-20
Illustration of Worth evening gown in Harper's Bazaar

An illustration of a Worth evening gown was featured in Harper's Bazaar on January 20, 1894.

1895-03-10
Death of Charles Frederick Worth

On March 10, 1895, Charles Frederick Worth passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy and a profound impact on the world of fashion. His innovative designs and influence extended beyond Paris, solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in haute couture.

1895-03-11
Worth's Obituary in Le Gaulois

Worth's obituary published in the French newspaper Le Gaulois on 11th March 1895 reflects on his dedication to his fashion ideas and the influence he had, particularly on Empress Eugenie.

1895-03-22
Funeral of Charles Frederick Worth

Charles Frederick Worth, the renowned couturier, was buried in the family vault in Suresnes-sur-Seine on 30 March 1895. A service for the dead was held in the French Protestant Church in Paris prior to his burial.

1919
House of Worth illustration

In 1919, an illustration of the House of Worth showcased the legacy of the fashion house, known for catering to the rich and titled individuals. The House of Worth's innovative merchandising techniques and unique approach to garment creation set it apart in the fashion world.

1928
Release of 'A Century of Fashion' by Worth Jean-Philippe

In 1928, Worth Jean-Philippe released 'A Century of Fashion', a publication that further solidified the influence and legacy of the House of Worth in the fashion world.

1936
House of Worth Paris Store Moved to 120, rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré

In 1936, Maurice and Roger Worth, grandsons of Charles Frederick Worth, moved the House of Worth Paris store to 120, rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré in an attempt to breathe new life into the business.

1945
Merger of London and Paris Branches of House of Worth with Paquin

At the end of World War II in 1945, the London and Paris branches of the House of Worth merged with Paquin, Worth's old rival, marking a significant change in the fashion industry.

1952
End of Worth's Fashion Dynasty

The Worth fashion dynasty came to an end in 1952 when Charles Frederick Worth's great-grandson, Jean-Charles, retired.

1954
The Age of Worth, Couturier to the Empress Eugenie

A book titled 'The Age of Worth, Couturier to the Empress Eugenie' was published in 1954, focusing on the work of the renowned couturier Charles Frederick Worth for Empress Eugenie.

1956
House of Worth donates drawings to Victoria and Albert Museum

In 1956, the House of Worth donated 23,000 drawings of dresses to the Victoria and Albert Museum, showcasing the extensive archive of Charles Worth designs.

1958
Retrospective at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Two years after the donation of drawings, the V&A held a major retrospective to commemorate the centenary of the foundation of Charles Frederick Worth's business, highlighting his significant contributions to the fashion industry.

1980
Worth, Father of Haute Couture

Diana De Marly's book 'Worth, Father of Haute Couture' was published in 1980, highlighting the significant role of Charles Frederick Worth in the fashion industry.

1999-12-30
Legacy of Charles Frederick Worth

Charles Frederick Worth's remarkable legacy as a pioneering fashion designer was recognized even during his lifetime. He was hailed as 'the greatest creator in creation' and his career highlighted the capacity of Englishmen in the fashion industry.

End of the Timeline
Charles Frederick Worth

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Charles Frederick Worth

English fashion designer and father of haute couture
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