The House of Worth, 1858-1954

Arriving in Paris in 1845, at the age of twenty and with only a few francs in his pocket, Charles Frederick Worth would go on to build the most prominent, innovative and successful fashion house of the century. Worth was inspired by a love of fine art, luxurious fabrics and his vision of the female ideal. He was the first to set out to dictate new styles and silhouettes to his elite clientele — not the other way around — hosting them in his rue de la Paix salons.

These salons included ground-breaking 'sportswear' and 'maternity' departments, as well as silk, velvet and brocade rooms. There was also a special salon with closed shutters and gas lighting, designed to allow clients to try on ball gowns in lighting conditions precisely matched to those of the event.

Organised chronologically and illustrated with striking ensembles, The House of Worth includes photographs of details that reveal the garments' intricate construction and craftsmanship. Paintings and documents are sourced from both private family archives and the best fashion collections from museums around the world. The House of Worth is an inspiring tribute to the house that started it all.