Charles Frederick Worth

Charles Frederick Worth, the 'father of haute couture,' transformed fashion from a service into an art form and a global business.

ABOUT

Born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1825, Charles Frederick Worth revolutionized the world of fashion, earning him the title of the 'father of haute couture.' His early life was marked by financial hardship; after his father ruined the family finances and left, Worth began working at age 11. He moved to London to apprentice at department stores like Swan & Edgar and Lewis & Allenby, honing his understanding of textiles and design. In 1846, Worth arrived in Paris with just £5 a…

Read Charles's full story in Art Whisper

NOTABLE WORKS

Dolman 1885 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art "Tulipes Hollandaises" (textile) 1889 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Mantle 1890 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Evening dress 1886 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Evening jacket 1888 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Ensemble 1862 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art

See all of Charles's works in Art Whisper

INFLUENCES

Influenced

Paul PoiretEarly 20th Century Fashion Elsa SchiaparelliSurrealist Fashion Christian DiorMid-20th Century Couture