Haute couture legacy revisited – "Worth: Inventing Haute Couture" Exhibition, Paris
- mymoderndarcy
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Dear readers, this time of year always reminds me of Paris, where every summer brings a style, or fashion-related exhibition that captivates me, whether I’ve planned it in advance or discovered it spontaneously. Last year, there was an exhibition delving into the history of Parisian department stores, offering a behind-the-scenes look at luxury retail operations and the culture of Parisian shopping. This year, the Petit Palais hosts a spectacular exhibition titled "Worth: Inventing Haute Couture", celebrating the legacy of the House of Worth, a pioneering fashion house of the 19th century. For fashion historians and vintage fashion lovers alike, this exhibition is an unparalleled opportunity to travel back in time and witness the birth of French haute couture through the elegant creations of this legendary maison.
With the exceptional contribution of the Palais Galliera, Paris’s renowned fashion museum, this marks the first exhibition at the Petit Palais dedicated to the House of Worth. While younger generations might not recognize the name, those immersed in Parisian fashion history will know its pivotal role in shaping the industry. Charles Frederick Worth (1825–1895), an English designer, arrived in Paris in 1846 and began his career as a salesclerk for Gagelin, a prestigious textile merchant. His keen eye for luxury fabrics and garment construction propelled his rise. In 1858, he partnered with Otto Gustav Bobergh to establish "Worth & Bobergh" at 7 Rue de la Paix, the house’s exquisite designs soon attracted elite clients, including Empress Eugénie and European royalty. After Bobergh’s departure in 1870, Worth continued under his own name, crafting everything from daywear to ballgowns, solidifying his maison’s status as a symbol of Parisian luxury.
This exhibition features over 400 works, including clothing, accessories, paintings, and objets d’art, drawn from the Palais Galliera’s rare and prestigious collections, as well as loans from institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Divided into thematic sections, it recreates the Rue de la Paix’s golden age and explores how Worth’s innovations laid the groundwork for modern haute couture.
Another highlight is the final section, which showcases the house’s 20th-century revival under Worth’s sons and grandsons, who embraced modernity with streamlined silhouettes and iconic perfumes like Je Reviens (1924) in Lalique-designed flacons. Perfume enthusiasts will be delighted by the exceptional collaboration with the International Perfume Conservatory Osmothèque, which allows visitors to experience revived historic scents.
For fashion enthusiasts, especially those passionate about Parisian haute couture, this exhibition is a must-see. If you're in Paris, be sure to visit before it ends on 7th September 2025, it’s the perfect addition to your itinerary!
Image courtesy of Petit Palais, Paris.