Designer of the week is the one and only Charles Frederick Worth. English designer dominated Parisian fashion in the later half of the nineteenth century. Born October 13, 1825, Worth always had an interest in fashion. Worth worked as an apprentice and clerk for two London textile merchants. This is where he gained a lot of knowledge regarding fabrics and a understanding of running a business. After relocating to Paris in 1845, Worth found work with Gageline which eventually he became their salesman.
Worth eventually opened a dressmaking department for the company. By 1858, Worth finally opened House of Worth with a business partner. Worth's rise as a designer coincided with the establishment of the Second Empire in France. The demand for luxury goods, including textiles and fashionable dress, reached levels that had not been seen since before the French Revolution. His collection featured lavish fabrics and amazing trim work. The attention to detail as well as the fit caught the eye of Empress Eugenie.
When Napoleon III married Empress Eugenie, her tastes set the style at court. The empress ensured Worth's success as a popular dressmaker from the 1860's onward. One of a kind pieces were made for his important clients while other pieces were shown on live models at the House of Worth. Worth was the first to remove dolls and start using live models to help promote his garments. Clients would go in, essentially shop and had garments tailor made in Worth's workshop.
Most of the sewing of Worth garments was by hand while a few was by machine. His aggressive self promotion got him named father of haute couture. Definitely a name he deserved. By the 1870's, Worth's name was everywhere. Many clients would travel just to Paris to purchase an entire wardrobe from the House of Worth. Women looked to Worth to supply gowns for special occasions. Worth introduced the hooped dresses with flattering fronts in the early 1860s. He was created the princess-cut dress. By 1895, Worth had passed away. His children took over the business.
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