Women's History Month: French Women Who Have Changed The Course Of History
Women in France have been changing history since the French Revolution when the concepts of equality and comradery inspired women from all backgrounds to make their voice heard. Here’s three french influential women who showed that hard work and dedication - and believing in yourself lead to success.
Photo: Britannica
“Perfume is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion. . . . that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.”
Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel
Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, known as Coco Chanel, was a French designer and the founder of Chanel. She was born into poverty. At age twelve, her mother died and she was put into an orphanage by her father. In 1910, she opened her first shop selling hats, eventually opening more stores that also sold clothing. Chanel gradually became well-known and respected. She designed costumes for the ballet company Ballets Russes and famous playwright Jean Cocteau’s play Orphée. She counted Cocteau and artist Pablo Picasso among her friends. In 1920, she launched her first perfume, called Chanel No. 5, which skyrocketed her career. The economic depression of the 1930s had a very negative impact on Chanel's company, which led her to close her business. In her seventies, she entered the fashion world again and quickly won over shops around the world.
Photo: Dorchester Collection
Jessica Préalpato
Jessica Préalpato was born in Mont de Marsan, in southwest France, to a dynasty of pastry chefs. She developed her love of desserts at a very young age. Her career began when she moved to Biarritz to study the culinary arts. She was quickly recognized by Michelin-starred chef Philippe Labbé, who then introduced her to many other well-known chefs in the industry. She was later given the opportunity to travel across the world as chef pâtissière for the Corfou Group, expanding her knowledge and expertise in the culinary sphere. Today, she develops creations that take simple French ingredients and highlights their flavors, striving to find a pure way to express their natural qualities. In 2018, she wrote a cookbook called "Desseralité", which is a collection of 45 creations where nature takes its place in the dessert. Préalpato is the winner of The World’s Best Pastry Chef 2019.
Photo: Karina Vigier
“A woman who does not accept to be ignored or put aside. But that is not for all that gratuitous extravagance. I like to think that it's all about balance.”
Karina Vigier
Karina Vigier is a 51 year-old French magazine editor who is at the head of three magazines in the world of women’s and children's fashion. She has also discovered the beauty of TikTok, gaining over 112,000 followers in less than a year. Her content ranges from how to wear certain types of clothing to how to wear a particular color, and participating in different TikTok challenges. Her main goal is to empower women over 50 to explore the world of fashion and to be bold. She wants her audience to learn how to mix high-end brands with smaller brands to create an affordable but chic look. Karina gets most of her clothes from secondhand and thrift shops which makes her closet very vintage. She has had many items for over 30 years, even if they are considered out of style.