House of Worth

The House of Worth was a French house of high fashion that specialized in haute couture, ready-to-wear clothes, and perfumes. The historic house was founded in 1858 by designer Charles Frederick Worth. It continued to operate under his descendants until 1952 but finally closed in 1956. The House of Worth brand was revived in 1999.

Charles Frederick Worth opened his own design house in 1858, in partnership with Otto Bobergh in Paris at 7 Rue de la Paix. He had previously worked at Swan & Edgar Ltd and Lewis & Allenby in London and at Maison Gagelin in Paris. It was at Gagelin where he first established his reputation as a dressmaker. In the 1850s, his designs for Gagelin won commendations at Universal Expositions in London and Paris.

While Worth was still at Gagelin, the house had supplied the trousseau for the newly married Empress Eugénie. After opening his own house, he was introduced to the Empress and appointed court designer. Her patronage increased his reputation and business success. He dressed leading performers of the day: Sarah Bernhardt, Lillie Langtry, Jenny Lind, and Nellie Melba. Worth also created unique special-event pieces for his best clients, such as masquerade ball costumes and wedding dresses.

Worth was known for preparing several designs for each season, which were then shown by live models. Clients would make their selections and have them made to their own measurements in his work rooms. His designs incorporated elegant fabrics, detailed trimming, and superb fit. Wealthy women in the 19th century had four changes of dress during the day, and many clients would purchase their entire wardrobes from Worth.

In 1871, Worth dissolved his association with Bobergh. His design and promotional talents had made the House of Worth a highly successful international business. Upon Worth's death in 1895, sons Gaston-Lucien (1853–1924) and Jean-Philippe (1856–1926) assumed the business.

In 1924, with the House now operated by grandson Jacques Worth, it ventured into the perfume market. The company's first fragrance, developed by perfumer Maurice Blanchet, was Dans La Nuit. Glassmaker René Lalique was commissioned to design the bottle. Les Perfumes Worth was established as a separate business and launched more than 20 fragrances between 1924 and 1947.