Ensemble 1862 - 1865

This is a lilac silk faille dress, created by Worth and Bobergh, though the exact date of its making is unknown. Its delicate color and elaborate construction tell us much about the values of its time. Worth was the first to create a fashion house, and he’s considered the father of haute couture. Born in England, he found great success in France. Dresses like these are more than mere garments; they represent the apex of luxurious society, a world of high fashion dominated by Parisian taste and craftsmanship, a signifier of the values of the elite and a reflection of the social hierarchy of the era. Note the fine, hand-sewn details of the dress and the elaborate ruffles that emphasize the social status of the wearer, who would have been among the wealthiest women in Europe or the United States. To fully appreciate the cultural significance of clothing, one must look to sources such as fashion magazines, portraits, and literature, resources that help historians piece together the complex story of clothing in society.