Afternoon dress 1892 House of Worth French Worth was known for including historical references from his research and this dress is an exceptional example of his skill. This dress combines 17th-century and neoclassical references into a beautiful cohesive finished product. The sleeves, slashing and Vandyke edging refers to dress of the 17th century. The sleeves in particular were known as Marie sleeves, inspired by Marie de'Medici (1575-1642). Alongside these sleeves are the empire waist and beadwork decorations referencing earlier 19th-century designs. Charles Frederick Worth was born in England and spent his young adulthood working for textile merchants in London while researching art history at museums. In 1845 he moved to Paris and worked as a salesman and a dressmaker before partnering with Otto Bobergh to open the dressmaking shop, Worth and Bobergh, in 1858. They were soon recognized by royalty and major success followed. In 1870 Worth became the sole proprietor of the business.