Adorning lavish jewels and a statement bouffant, Mrs. T. Charlton Henry (August 1886 – December 1978) was a leader in Philadelphia society, one of the world’s best dressed women and a permanent member of the Fashion Hall of Fame alongside notable icons such as the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Grace of Monaco and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Born Julia Rush Biddle, Mrs. Henry belonged to one of the oldest families in America with strong influences in Philadelphia society and business. In 1910 she married Thomas Charlton Henry, an American philatelist, a World War I hero and friend of King George V of England. As a fashion icon who frequently topped the best-dresses lists, Julia adorned classic chic gowns purchased on her seasonal trips to Paris. Over six weeks she would refurbish her wardrobe from designers such as Dior, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Chanel, Cardin and Saint Laurent. A Sophie Gimbel gown worn by Ms. Henry to a party for Queen Elizabeth in 1955 is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s fashion wing. This well-known grand dame of Philadelphia society also espoused physical fitness and exercise as a key to maintaining daily health. Julia was an indefatigable fashion icon and as described by Harper’s Bazaar she ‘weighs a fragile, feminine ninety pounds, but moves through life like a Trojan.’