The House of Worth: The Birth of Haute Couture

by Chantal Trubert-Tollu, Françoise Tetart-Vittu, Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg

The first illustrated monograph dedicated to the history of the House of Worth, the world’s pioneering haute couture label 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. He was inspired by a love of fine art, luxurious fabrics, and his vision of the female ideal, and was the first to set out to dictate new styles and silhouettes to his elite clientele― not the other way around. He hosted them in his rue de la Paix salons, which included groundbreaking sportswear and maternity departments as well as silk, velvet, and brocade rooms, and 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 at which they would be worn. Organized chronologically and illustrated with striking ensembles, paintings, and documents 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. 500+ illustrations in color and black and white

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, History, Fashion History, Art, Historical, Adult

336 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2017

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of this amazing precursor of haute couture. The book may be a brick since every page is photo paper, but its collection of photographs of dresses from every era of design during the house’s existence is spectacular. I was inspired to buy this after reading a similar book on the House of Dior, and I was not disappointed.

[Annie Garvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book.

[Jec · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely stunning book....oh to be able to sew and create this type of clothing....a true gift

[Calla Reviews (كالا) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is huge at 336 pages and beautiful. From 185-280 you have tons of photos, of the garments which I liked. This book is filled with the life of Charles Fredrick Worth and the Brand. I am happy the author decided to follow the brand as well as Mr.Worth as you get more information on the company as a whole. If you are into historical fashion or The House of Worth I would not pass this book up. You get fashion plates, photos, fashion illustrations and illustrated advertisements. His family tree is also included as his house has passed through the hands of family members until its unfortunate end.

Now what I would really like is a book, that gives you a look into the undergarments and interior of his garments in general.

Is it worth it? Yes
Is this a must have book? Yes and if you are into historical costuming you will love this book

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book!

[Natalie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a while to get through this but simply because it is a big book that I took my time with and enjoyed. It is full of gorgeous photography and well-written histories of the house of worth. Definitely a good read for anyone interested in dress history. If I had to find any little qualm about it, perhaps that sometimes it could get very name-heavy without always explaining how these different people related to the story or the rank/titles. But overall, a great book for both the reading and pretty things to look at on your coffee table.

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely delightful book, the photography and close up detail makes this one of my favourite treats! Not only does it give a excellent background to the fashion house, but with such beautiful details of the dresses

[Sarah Toton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the photos of all the different fashions, but I was not particularly interested in the history of the house of worth. I was more interested in all of fashion.