3 Reasons to Visit the Worth Exhibition at the Petit Palais
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Witness to the evolution of fashion and society, Charles Frederick Worth gave birth to a vision of haute couture that changed our habits. From the Second Empire to the interwar period, his creations offered a new vision of silhouette and enveloped a clientele of the most coveted, including Empress Sissi. Running until September 7, the Worth exhibition at the Petit Palais revisits the history and rich heritage of this family house, and today we reveal 3 reasons to visit it.
What makes the Worth exhibition at the Petit Palais exceptional?
The first point to highlight is the unique and exceptional nature of the Worth exhibition at the Petit Palais. Indeed, with a history that began during the Second Empire (1858) and lasted until the interwar period, some of the pieces on display date back over a century and a half.
Thus, it is important to understand that, on one hand, the rarity of being able to gather all these pieces in a single space is remarkable. But also, to emphasize the general condition of the pieces, which is astonishing, given the less rigorous conservation conditions of the time and the various loans made over the years.
In total, to create this unique event, 400 pieces have been gathered thanks to collaboration between renowned museums (Palais Galliera, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Victoria and Albert Museum, Palazzo Pitti) as well as private collections.
Furthermore, beyond the textile pieces, we discover in the 1,100 m² of the Worth exhibition at the Petit Palais paintings, photos, drawings, and other documents that bring back to life the prosperous period of the fashion house. Mini-documentaries by Loïc Prigent complement the exhibition by revealing its setup.
In addition to revisiting the history of the Worth house, the exhibition allows us to observe unique moments captured within the haute bourgeoisie and the aristocracy of the time. We discover, among other things, garments designed by Charles Frederick Worth for the Princess of Metternich or Empress Eugénie, alongside other public figures, all proudly wearing pieces from the label.
Rediscover the role of clothing, between appearance and disguise
Aside from its historical aspect, the exhibition presented at the Petit Palais also sheds light on how the founder of the house (followed by his children) managed to reinvent the fashion of the time and the codes of dressing.
On one hand, we rediscover emblematic pieces of the era, such as the crinoline. Then, the emergence of a more developed wardrobe to accompany ladies in their activities throughout the day and evening. Daywear, tea gowns, collars, evening dresses, ball gowns, opera coats, tailored suits…
We also follow the various influences that accompanied these times and the work of the Worth house (including the tapestry style or the Empire style). Additionally, the evolution of silhouettes, their volume, as well as the variety of fabrics and patterns used.
Beyond their appearance, it is the very use of clothing that Charles Frederick Worth rethought. Notably, through his taste – and that of 19th-century society – for disguise and historicism. From Paris to New York, passing through London, memorable costume balls featured silhouettes inspired by many historical figures or ancient portraits.
Worth. Inventing haute couture: the beginning of a new fashion chapter
Another point highlighted by the exhibition on the Worth house is the importance of the creator in developing the notion of haute couture. Between creating a brand in the form of a signature, individual pieces standing out from serial collections, as well as establishing seasonal collections and fashion shows, it is an entirely new concept of fashion that Charles Frederick Worth envisioned and which still endures today.
This story, which is primarily a family adventure, is also the story of an address. 7 rue de la Paix. The location of a boutique that marked a turning point in fashion, in its production and commercialization. An address that has inspired many others to follow the same path and collectively built the reputation of this Parisian street.
Thus, as you may have understood, the Worth exhibition at the Petit Palais is not just a simple fashion exhibition. It speaks to us of history, fabrics, networking, appearance, commercial development… In essence, about the success of a family adventure and the legacy it has left. This is true both in France and beyond our borders.
The exhibition is presented at the Petit Palais from May 7 to September 7, 2025.
Photo: © Petit Palais – Worth
