The last two years were busy for myself and my dear friend and co-author, Petie Kladstrup. We were working on the first American biography of Eugénie de Montijo, a Spanish countess who became the last Empress of France and was instrumental in modernizing France during the second half of the nineteenth century.

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The dramatic, untold story of Eugénie de Montijo, the woman who created Haute Couture, fought for women’s rights, opened France’s schools to girls, and ruled the country as its last Empress, yet today almost unknown.

Although a 19th century woman, her almost 21st century outlook was key to the creation of modern France.  Viewed frequently as a mere “ornament of the throne” of her husband Emperor Napoléon III, this Spanish-born aristocrat proved to be almost as fiery as her red hair, fighting against institutional limitations, establishing innovations in childcare and women’s health, scientific research  and education, battling anti-Semitism and “sex prejudice,” all the while displaying a political acumen so sharp that her husband gave her sole control of the government during his absences and consulted her daily when he was home.  But the triumphs and glamour of her life were coupled with heartbreak and tragedy. 

Published by Hanover Square Press, HarperCollins, July 2025. 

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