Worth, Charles Frederick (1825–1895)

English couturier. He became known for creating ornate and opulent evening gowns and for influencing the shapes of women's clothing. An experimental designer, he introduced a variety of outfits such as the tunic dress, a knee-length tunic worn over a long skirt, during the 1860s, followed by the bustle towards the end of the decade. He was patronized by European royalty.

He began work in a draper's shop in London, and served a seven-year apprenticeship, at Swan and Edgar, before working for a silk mercer for a short period and then moving to Paris 1845. After working at Maison Gagelin for five years he opened a dressmaking department in the store before opening his own house 1858 in Paris.