THE AGE OF WORTH

Le bon Monsieur Worth""'s biography places him against his period, that of the Second Empire, and the events that shaped his career. Charles Frederick Worth, when his apprenticeship to a draper's was completed, headed for Paris and never left there; he married Marie Vernet, who wore the clothes he designed and who was courageous enough to take his sketches to Princess de Metternich, who, in turn recommended him to Empress Eugenie. With the Court's approval, he became the mode, raised hems, fought the widening crinolines, and originated change after change, in line, color, bonnets, etc., etc. He survived the Franco-Prussian War but the ""operetta"" was over, and even though the Republic continued his prosperity, the brilliance and dash had ended. Of service to French industry and of note in high fashion, Worth's life is part and parcel of his times and for all the luxury trade material there are less frills and furbelows than you might expect.