Gabrielle Sidonie Colette, commonly known as Colette, was a French author born on January 28, 1873. She is best known for her novels that explore themes of love, identity, and the complexities of female experience. Her most famous work, Gigi, was later adapted into a successful film and musical. Colette's writing career began with the Claudine series, which drew from her own life experiences. Throughout her life, she was also a prominent figure in Parisian society, known for her bohemian lifestyle and relationships with notable artists and writers. She passed away on August 3, 1954.