<P> As railroads and steamships made European travel easier, it was increasingly common for wealthy women to travel to Paris to shop for clothing and accessories . French fitters and dressmakers were commonly thought to be the best in Europe, and real Parisian garments were considered better than local imitations . </P> <P> A couturier (French: (ku. ty. ʁje)) is an establishment or person involved in the clothing fashion industry who makes original garments to order for private clients . A couturier may make what is known as haute couture . Such a person usually hires patternmakers and machinists for garment production, and is either employed by exclusive boutiques or is self - employed . </P> <P> The couturier Charles Frederick Worth (October 13, 1826--March 10, 1895), is widely considered the father of haute couture as it is known today . Although born in Bourne, Lincolnshire, England, Worth made his mark in the French fashion industry . Revolutionizing how dressmaking had been previously perceived, Worth made it so the dressmaker became the artist of garnishment: a fashion designer . While he created one - of - a-kind designs to please some of his titled or wealthy customers, he is best known for preparing a portfolio of designs that were shown on live models at the House of Worth . Clients selected one model, specified colors and fabrics, and had a duplicate garment tailor - made in Worth's workshop . Worth combined individual tailoring with a standardization more characteristic of the ready - to - wear clothing industry, which was also developing during this period . </P> <P> Following in Worth's footsteps were Callot Soeurs, Patou, Poiret, Vionnet, Fortuny, Lanvin, Chanel, Mainbocher, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, and Dior . Some of these fashion houses still exist today, under the leadership of modern designers . </P>

The person who is considered to be the founder of the paris haute couture was