What They Wore to the Worth Exhibit, Petit Palais

 

Friday I went to see the new WORTH fashion retrospective at the Petit Palais.

I was astonished by the contrast of modern dress and elaborate ballgowns of the 1880s.

The Petit Palais is one of Paris’ free museums except for special exhibitions (reservations required).

So who was Charles Frederick Worth (1825-1895)

And why is he called the father of haut couture?

Worth was the first to sew labels with his brand into the garments.

He had the first dress store near Place Vendome. 

He was the first to show his garments on live models instead of miniature fashion dolls. 

Clients came to the salon instead of dressmakers visiting the client’s home for fittings - a more sociable occasion.

His wife Marie Vernon became perhaps the first Paris model.

Worth, an Englishman, move to Paris from the UK 🇬🇧 in 1846 with 5£ in his pocket, speaking no French. 

He first worked in a fine fabric store,

Gagelin-Opigez, where he met his wife Marie.

There he began to fashion garments from their fabrics and 

Built up so many customers, the store gave him his own shop.

When Empress Eugenie saw what Worth was creating for her friends, 

Portrait by Ingres

She made Worth her official dressmaker and that was that.

Worth adored his American clients for their stunning figures, deep pockets AND they spoke English. Alice Vanderbilt in a Worth fancy dress costume.

There are many wonderful 

Period paintings

To accompany this rich and splendid exhibition of 400 works. The exhibit is on until September 7, 2025.

❤️ HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY ❤️