Dive into the elegance of her empire-cut dresses, exquisite accessories, and the profound impact she wielded as a powerful fashion influencer in the pages of history.

Josephine de Beauharnais was Napoleon Bonaparte’s first wife and the first Empress of the French. Beyond her political and historical role, Josefina was a trendsetter with her unique fashion sense, reflecting her personality and love for style.

From slave to empress

Born in 1763 on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean, Josephine de Beauharnais hailed from a family of landowners who owned slaves. Originally named Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de la Pagerie, Napoleon renamed her Josefina, a name he preferred. At 16, she married Viscount Alexandre de Beauharnais, a French noble who took her to Paris. There, she endured abandonment and infidelity but bore two children: Eugenio and Hortensia.

During the French Revolution, her husband was guillotined, and she narrowly escaped the same fate. Then she met Napoleon, an ambitious general in love with her.

Influence and Power: Josephine at Napoleon’s Court

Married in 1796, Josephine de Beauharnais initially doubted their love, but Napoleon passionately courted her, penning ardent letters (many of which still exist). Their relationship faced challenges marked by infidelity and the intrigues of enemies. Napoleon aimed to dominate Europe, relying on Josefina’s intelligence, culture, and diplomacy. She played a vital role in consolidating his power and earning respect among monarchies.

Josephine and the French Textile Industry: A Stylistic Revolution

Beyond her role as Napoleon’s companion, Josephine de Beauharnais crafted her public image. She understood that her attire communicated and influenced her. Meticulously managing her appearance, she surrounded herself with the best tailors, jewellers, and milliners of the time.

Josephine de Beauharnais, as the first Empress of France, played a pivotal role in revolutionising the French textile industry, marking a significant chapter in the annals of fashion history. Her influence extended far beyond the confines of the court; she became a trendsetter and a patron of art whose tastes and preferences were emulated across Europe. Josephine worked with renowned artists and interior designers to establish the opulent Empire Style at Château de Malmaison, corresponding to the Regency Style in Britain.

Josephine’s penchant for luxurious fabrics and intricate designs substantially boosted the struggling French textile industry, particularly the silk weavers of Lyon. By eschewing imported English fabrics for locally produced textiles, she set a new standard of elegance and sophistication and bolstered the national economy. 

Her patronage was instrumental in reviving the French silk industry, which had suffered greatly during the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. Josephine’s preference for light, flowing fabrics like muslin and chiffon, adorned with ribbons, lace, and floral patterns, led to a surge in demand for these materials. 

This shift was not just a matter of fashion but a statement of political and economic support for French artisans. Her legacy in the textile industry is a testament to her role as a fashion icon and a savvy supporter of French craftsmanship, making her an integral figure in the stylistic revolution of her time.

A champion of the French textile industry, Josephine de Beauharnais abandoned English fabrics for high-quality Lyon silks. She adorned her dresses with embroidery, lace, ribbons, and flowers. Accessories such as straw hats, turbans, gloves, fans, shawls, and mantles complemented her outfits. Spectacular jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and brooches adorned with pearls, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, completed her look.

Love and Tragedy: Josephine’s Personal Story with Napoleon

Despite their love and collaboration, Josephine de Beauharnais and Napoleon separated in 1809 due to her inability to provide a male heir. Napoleon divorced her, marrying Marie Louise of Austria, with whom he had a son: Napoleon II. Josefina gracefully accepted the divorce, receiving a generous pension. She retired to Malmaison, pursuing her passion for botany.

Creating a garden and greenhouse, she cultivated over 200 exotic plant species. Josephine de Beauharnais died in 1814 from pneumonia. Napoleon, in exile in Elba, learned of her death and crumbled. His last words were said: “France, the army, the head of the army, Josefina.”

A Powerful and Brave Woman

Josephine de Beauharnais a woman of resilience and reinvention, was not just a figurehead but a force to be reckoned with. Her influence extended beyond the confines of her personal life, shaping the fashion and art of her era. Yet, her story is often overshadowed by that of her husband, Napoleon. 

This raises a question that is as relevant today as it was in her time: How often do we overlook the women behind the scenes, the ones supporting, influencing, and sometimes even directing the course of history? It’s time we delve deeper into their stories, appreciate their contributions, and question why history has often been unkind to such women. 

Let’s start the debate by asking: How can we ensure that women like Josephine de Beauharnais get the recognition they deserve in our historical narratives? How can we rewrite history to be more inclusive and representative of all contributors, regardless of their gender?