A: Fashion shows were introduced at the Paris Expo in 1855 by royal tailor Charles Frederick Worth. Worth's rise as a designer coincided with the establishment of the Second Empire in France, a time when Napoleon III was emperor.
When Napoleon III married Empress Eugnie, her tastes set the style at court and her dresses were easily duplicated by women of the upper classes. Worth's designs were preferred by the empress, whose patronage ensured his success as a popular dressmaker.
The empress asked Worth to design a dress for the Paris Expo. To get the best effect, Worth invited her for repeated sittings and made changes based on the reigning trends at the time. This is considered the inspiration behind the modern fashion show.
Worth's designs were notable for his use of lavish fabrics and trimmings that were at odds with traditions. Much of his work is associated with the attempt to redefine women's fashion by removing excessive ruffles and frills and using rich fabrics in simple but flattering outlines.
Worth is considered the father of haute couture.
