Worth

Charles Frederick Worth began the modern era of fashion industry in the 1850s. Charles used to be a shop assistant by training and he was living in poor conditions. He left London in 1845 with few pounds in his pocket and decided to live in Paris. After two years he started to work as a salesman at Gagelin, which was the most famous silk mercer at the time. However, he wanted to become a dressmaker, although this was exclusively female profession.

Worth managed to create shows with shawls and modeled over simple dresses designed by him. These were made up from the lastest fabrics and became very demanded by fashionable customers of Gagelin. Worth’s success was a result of his obsession with fit as well as his innovative techniques. His success made him the best dressmaker in Paris.

The prestigious exhibitions in London (Great Exhibition in 1851) and Paris (Exposition Universelle in 1855) determined Gagelin’s worldwide success as many foreign customers were aware of the brand and demanded its products, particularly American customers. Despite the huge popularity and profits of Gagelin’s products, Worth was not promoted and he was not satisfied in the company. That’s why he decided to go into business with another salesman Otto Bobergh and they created their own business in 1858 at No. 7 rue de la Paix.

Many customers followed, but there was still a small chance for Worth as a male dressmaker to work for Empress Eugénie. Later Worth’s wife showed off with a amazing evening gown at the state ball and impressed Austrian ambassador’s wife. She became interested in Worth’s other designs as well and Worth was invited to palace. In 1860 Worth and Bobergh became official dressmakers to Empress Eugénie and their company became a leader in the fashion industry.

Worth’s clothes was the most expensive in the world and represented the noveau Riche of the Second Empire. With its collapse Bobergh returned to Sweden. Worth remained in Paris, developed all the trappings of the couture house and was flooded with orders. He was responsible for all the major innovations in fashion and continued his successful period.

Both Worth’s sons, Jean Phillipe and Gaston followed him in the fashion business. Worth died in Paris in 1895 and his sons were doing the business until 1910, when Gaston’s son Jean Charles continued in the fashion industry as chief designer. He was followed by Roger in 1935. Two years after his retirement, Maurice agreed to a takeover by rivals Paquin. This was the end of the oldest and one of the most famous fashion houses in Paris.