Charles Frederick Worth, founder of House of Worth, revolutionized fashion in 19th century. Known for live models and branded labels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Charles Frederick Worth expanded his design house into a successful business starting from 1875 with his talent in design and promotion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An illustration of a Worth evening gown was featured in Harper's Bazaar on January 20, 1894.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Worth fashion dynasty came to an end in 1952 when Charles Frederick Worth's great-grandson, Jean-Charles, retired.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.