Ensemble
This extraordinary costume would have been worn while riding in one's carriage, which at the time was a social event. It is likely the muff and mantle were bought from the House of Worth but due to the difference in stitching and trimming on the dress, the likelihood is that the client bought extra textile lengths and had the dress made in the United States after returning home.
Charles Frederick Worth was born in England and spent his young adulthood working for textile merchants in London while researching art history at museums. In 1845 he moved to Paris and worked as a salesman and a dressmaker before partnering with Otto Bobergh to open the dressmaking shop, Worth and Bobergh, in 1858. They were soon recognized by royalty and major success followed. In 1870 Worth became the sole proprietor of the business. At his shop, Worth fashioned completed creations which he then showed to clients on live models. Clients could then order their favorites according to their own specifications. This method is the origin of haute couture. Worth designed gowns which were works of art that implemented a perfect play of colors and textures created by meticulously chosen textiles and trims. The sheer volume of the textiles he employed on each dress is testimony to his respect and support of the textile industry. Worth's creative output maintained its standard and popularity throughout his life. The business continued under the direction of his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons through the first half of the twentieth century.
Charles Frederick Worth was born in England and spent his young adulthood working for textile merchants in London while researching art history at museums. In 1845 he moved to Paris and worked as a salesman and a dressmaker before partnering with Otto Bobergh to open the dressmaking shop, Worth and Bobergh, in 1858. They were soon recognized by royalty and major success followed. In 1870 Worth became the sole proprietor of the business. At his shop, Worth fashioned completed creations which he then showed to clients on live models. Clients could then order their favorites according to their own specifications. This method is the origin of haute couture. Worth designed gowns which were works of art that implemented a perfect play of colors and textures created by meticulously chosen textiles and trims. The sheer volume of the textiles he employed on each dress is testimony to his respect and support of the textile industry. Worth's creative output maintained its standard and popularity throughout his life. The business continued under the direction of his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons through the first half of the twentieth century.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ensemble
- Design House: House of Worth (French, 1858–1956)
- Designer: Attributed to Charles Frederick Worth (French (born England), Bourne 1825–1895 Paris)
- Designer: Attributed to Jean-Philippe Worth (French, 1856–1926)
- Date: 1894
- Culture: American or European
- Medium: silk, beads, jet, fur, linen
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Edith Gardiner, 1926
- Object Number: 2009.300.617a–c
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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Multiple artists/makers
1930–40
House of Worth
Charles Frederick Worth
ca. 1890
Multiple artists/makers
1890–98
House of Worth
Charles Frederick Worth
ca. 1889
House of Worth
Jean-Philippe Worth
1907
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