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| This picture of of Worth house in the Rue de la Paix in the 1870s. |
To be able to debut in European society in the 1870s up until 1910s, it was oh so important to dress the part. What better way to do it than to go to House of Worth where a girl could be measured and outfitted for a mere...oh...$50,000 for the Season!
Yes, it was vital to appear fabulous when shopping for a duke or a baron...or anyone else in between. Jennie Jerome went to Worth. So did the Vanderbilts and the Astors. Anyone who was anyone went and acquired one of Worth's
vendeuses (personal sales girls).
Frederick Worth was considered the first fashion designer but many, like Madame Pacquin, very close by in the Rue de la Paix were just as good and just as expensive.
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| The underpinnings of a bustle! |
The drama of dressing was long and drawn out. To wear a bustle was truly a challenge, not only to walk in one but to sit and yes, shall we discuss how to manage the necessities of life in one of these contraptions? Add to that the discomfort of one of the era's corsets, and a girl could get rather tired of carrying around such extra weight.
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Madame Pacquin, French designer
and competitor to Worth |
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Frederick Worth, Englishman and designer,
#7 Rue de la Paix |
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| Evening gown, House of Worth |
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| Walking costume, House of Worth |
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| corset, late 19th century |
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| corset, late 19th century |
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All this so that one might sweep up this staircase in the Opera Garner in Paris
and appear stately, rich and desirable! |
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My photo of #7 Rue de la Paix from a research trip last October!
Still as impressive looking as in its heyday. Not far from Opera Garnier, Tiffany's and more! |
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