Evening dress

Jean-Charles Worth|House of Worth

ca. 1925 · silk, metal · Costume Institute

The intriguing exotic textile is fully in alliance with the cut of this striking example of 1920s couture workmanship. Worth expertly manipulates the textile by taking advantage of the selvedge, which he employs as the border, and following the shape of the textile design at the hem to create a masterpiece. Jean-Charles Worth joined the House of Worth around 1910 and became chief designer after World War I when his uncle, Jean-Philippe Worth, retired. He transitioned the Worth style into a new era of simpler lines and silhouettes with minimal trim indicative of the 1920s and 30s. He also moved the House into the more practical styles reflecting the decrease in noble patrons. Jean-Charles retired in 1935, passing the design reins to his nephew, Roger Worth.

Artist

Jean-Charles Worth|House of Worth

Date

ca. 1925

Medium

silk, metal

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Frederick H. Prince, Jr., 1967