The definitive illustrated history of Charles Frederick Worth, the visionary who founded haute couture. This richly documented monograph traces Worth's journey from his 1845 arrival in Paris to his revolutionary impact on fashion, showcasing his pioneering salons and innovative design philosophy. Featuring 486 illustrations—324 in color—drawn from museum collections and private archives, the book celebrates the artistic vision and ambition that made Worth fashion's most influential figure of the nineteenth century.