Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, commonly known as Colette, was a French author born on January 28, 1873. She is best known for her novel Gigi, which explores themes of love and femininity. Colette's writing often drew from her own experiences, reflecting her life in Paris and her relationships with both men and women. Throughout her career, Colette published numerous novels, essays, and memoirs, earning acclaim for her vivid prose and strong female characters. She was also a prominent figure in the French literary scene and became the first woman to receive a state funeral in France upon her death on August 3, 1954.