First fashion designers
Charles Frederick Worth, a Frenchman of British origin, was recognized as the first great couturier. What is his merit? He first introduced the mass creation of copies of their finished models, began to mark them with the brand name and offer ladies from high society. The opening of his shop at number 7 on Mira Street in Paris in 1858 marks the birth of the first Model House. From the year 1,900 other houses of the models start to appear, and they are accompanied by success: Paul Poire Elsa Schiaparelli, Madeleine Vionnet, Pierre Balmain, Jeanne Lanvin and Cristobal Balenciaga. In 1930 the Parisian houses of models finally won the sympathy of the French, and their fashion shows set the rhythm of life for beautiful fashionistas. In contrast to today's shows, where the show rarely lasts more than a quarter of an hour, these catwalks could take several hours, like a real performance.
