Colette was a French author born on January 28, 1873, in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye. She is best known for her novel Gigi, which explores themes of love and societal expectations. Colette's writing often drew from her own experiences, including her time as a performer in the music hall scene. Throughout her career, Colette published numerous novels, essays, and short stories, earning acclaim for her vivid prose and strong female characters. She was also a prominent figure in the literary world, becoming the first woman to receive a state funeral in France after her death on August 3, 1954.