When and how did the concept of what we call a 'designer' today begin? The answer to that question can be found with an Englishman in 19th-century Paris, Charles Frederick Worth.

The special exhibition currently at the Petit Palais in Paris invites us on an intellectual journey to witness the birth of the massive industry and culture of 'fashion,' going beyond simply showcasing beautiful dresses.


Meet Worth, the Founder of Haute Couture

Charles Frederick Worth is called the 'Father of Haute Couture'. The innovations he introduced to the fashion world continue to this day. He was the first designer to attach a signed label to his garments and pioneered the concept of a 'fashion show' by presenting new collections each season on live models.

His primary clients were European royalty and nobility, including Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III. His arrival marked the end of an era where seamstresses made clothes according to a client's order, heralding the beginning of modern fashion, where the designer creates and proposes trends with their own creativity.


Exhibition Highlights: What to See

This exhibition sheds light on Worth's design world, centered around his most iconic evening dresses and ball gowns.

You can see firsthand the dramatic silhouettes of the late 19th century, represented by the crinoline and bustle styles, as well as luxurious silks and intricate embroidery. The highlights of this exhibition are a restoration of a dress worn by Empress Eugénie and Worth's original design sketches. Through these, you can get a glimpse into how a single dress was born and how it reflected the society and culture of its time.

The most efficient way to experience this historic exhibition is to book your admission ticket in advance through WAUG. It is the wisest choice, allowing you to skip the long on-site queues and enter directly at your designated time to focus solely on the glamour of 19th-century Paris.

Going beyond just seeing beautiful dresses, this is an intellectual experience of witnessing how the massive industry and culture of 'fashion' was born.
We hope you will add this most elegant historical moment to your Paris trip.

Book the most special exhibition in Paris on WAUG right now and make your trip even more enriching.
 

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