The next time you see a red carpet moment that makes you gasp, remember this name: Charles Frederick Worth. Long before Christian Dior's New Look or Coco Chanel's little black dress, there was Worth—the 19th-century English designer who didn't just create beautiful gowns, he invented the entire concept of haute couture as we know it.

A stunning new exhibition at Paris's Petit Palais, "Worth, Inventing Haute Couture," reveals how this Victorian maverick established every convention that still governs high fashion today. From the seasonal collection to the fashion house dynasty, from celebrity endorsements to artistic collaborations—Worth did it first, and did it with unparalleled glamour.

The show traces three generations of Worth brilliance: Charles Frederick's corseted masterpieces during the crinoline era, his sons' Edwardian elegance, and grandson Jean-Charles's Jazz Age innovations (including those scandalous Man Ray nudes). But here's what makes this story irresistible—Worth's influence didn't stop in the 1930s. The exhibition draws direct lines from his "more-is-more" aesthetic to today's fashion royalty, including Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Sarah Burton.

Want to understand why fashion matters? Why a single dress can command headlines and inspire generations? The answer lies in a Parisian atelier from 150 years ago, where one man's vision changed how the world thinks about clothes forever.

This is just the beginning of our journey through fashion's most fascinating stories. Subscribe to discover the hidden histories, secret influences, and surprising connections that shaped the clothes in your closet.