Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Charles Frederick Worth


Charles Frederick Worth is considered the Father of Haute Couture and the first fashion designer in the French fashion industry.  He was born in Bourne, Lincolnshire, England in 1825.  While in England, he worked at several prosperous drapery shops in London before moving to Paris in 1846.  He worked for Gagelin and Opigez, who were well known Parisian drapers.  He also married one of the shop's models, Marie Vernet, who was also his muse.


Worth would make simple dresses for his wife to model, and customers would start asking for copies of the dresses as well.  In 1858, he went into business with Otto Bobergh and established Worth and Bobergh. Worth's clients included:
  •  Empress Eugenie

  • Princess Pauline Von Metternich

  • Catherine Waters

  • Cora Pearl

  • Virginia Oldoini, Countess di Castiglione

  • Sarah Bernhardt

  • Nellie Melba

Most of his clients travelled to Paris from other countries for his designs.  Much of his work is associated with the movement to redefine the female fashionable shape, removing excessive ruffles and frills and using rich fabrics in simple but flattering outlines.  Worth is credited as the first designer to put labels onto the clothing he manufactured.  Rather than let the customer dictate the design, he displayed model dresses at fashion shows four times a year. His patronesses would pick a model, which would then be sewn in fabrics of their choice and tailored to their figure. Worth was sufficiently fashionable that he had to turn away customers. This only added to his éclat. He completely revolutionized the business of dressmaking.  He was also the first of the couturiers, dressmakers considered artists rather than mere artisans.

Worth and Bobergh had shut down due to the Franco-Prussian War, but re-opened in 1871, without Bobergh, as the House of Worth.  Worth's sons, Gaston (founder of Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture) and Jean-Philippe, also followed in their father's footsteps.  When Worth died in 1895, his company continue to flourish under the leadership of his sons.

Designs from House of Worth













Until Next Time!!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Fashion to Figure

Hello All,

I haven't talked to my viewers out there in so long.  Although my laptop is still being checked out, I have been using the library at my local university.  The best part, I can still continue to use my creativity in fashion design and fashion illustration through Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.  I am happy about that, but I am still missing my electronic baby!

I recently shared a story with my community regarding plus-size fashion trends, and the websites that carry trendy, affordable clothing for plus-size women.  Although I am not in the plus-size category, one website in particular that I have fallen in love with is Fashion to Figure, www.fashiontofigure.com.  This website carries all of the latest fashion trends in clothing and accessories.  From color-blocking to peplum dresses, this site has the best fashion trends that will work well within your budget.

Color-Blocking


Lace


Prints


Peplum


Modified Sweatshirts and Jeans

Whether you are searching for the perfect garment for work, casual, night-out, or a special occasion, you will find it on Fashion to Figure.  The site also carries cute handbags and clutches, unique jewelry, colorful scarves, and chunky belts.  What makes this site even more amazing is the price.  You can easily create your look for under $50.  So if you are looking for a style upgrade, or something to add to your wardrobe, please check out this Fashion to Figure.  I know you will love it.

Until Next Time!