Meet the father of couture

Although luxury fashion as we know it today is usually attributed to Italy and France, we have to recognize the global influence that made the industry what it is today. Coming from the least likely upbringing (a family of solicitors)an Englishman by the name of Charles Frederick Worth migrated to Paris with five pounds and a dream to conquer the world of dressmaking. As laughable as it was at the time for a man to take on a traditionally female role, he took the ridicule in his stride and introduced fashion mainstays such as models, personal shopping, seasonal collections, celebrity endorsement and haute couture.

To dream such a big dream and make such an impact on the world of fashion meant uprooting himself from his impoverished menial background (his father abandoned the family after losing his wealth due to gambling)and moving to France without any knowledge of French, let alone an education to speak of. He immersed himself into the world of art where he noticed the evolution of fashion in the paintings and fashion magazines. Strategic partnerships with wealthy financiers and French royalty saw the rise of the structure of our modern day fashion houses.

Charles Frederick Worth - Role Model!


s

Gold Jimmy Choo

I think I'm in love with my shoe
I was sure that it felt the same, too
'till it happened to mention
with heartless intention
"I'm dating a gold Jimmy Choo"

by Tamara Mellon