How a clue in the form of a flower led me to archives across the world that proved, without question, that yet another woman from history has been robbed of so much.
That was an interesting piece of research, sad on a couple of levels. First, that she was so callously dismissed by contemporary critics. Second, that it was so easy (relatively) to find the truth. I'd like to think things are better now, and in many ways they are, but it is still all too easy to find those who will dismiss the accomplishments of women solely because they are women.
Yes, that was exactly the thing that infuriated me so much when I was doing the research – it took some time and a little effort to find the truth, but it wasn't especially hard, particularly for journalists who have much better access to magazine and newspaper archives than I do. Mizza's story could easily have been included in all of those non-fiction books about Dior, if only someone had bothered to stop and wonder if there was more to Mizza than the tried-and-true story of woman as muse.
I'm speechless, but I guess I'm still able to write. How many times do other women have to unearth the real story behind these women who have been nearly erased from the past. Thank you SO much for this insightful and detailed report.
I think there are, unfortunately, countless women like this, lost in history's tunnel-vision and amnesia. I'd like to think today's women won't be similarly lost and rewritten, but I'm far from certain about that. Glad you enjoyed reading about Mizza.
Have you read Susan Vreeland's book "Clara and Mr. Tiffany"? I hate to admit that's the first time my eyes were opened to this behavior. I'm 68, so I've been through the equality battles and really thought that by now things would be different for my daughter. It is slightly, but so much needs to be done. I'm glad that books like yours and hers are educating us on this. I should have realized how pervasive it was.
Wow, I'm full of admiration for all your research here. This is so sad. It seems to have been so easy to denigrate Mizza's worth and rewrite her entire existence - which highlights the valuable work you're doing in helping to reinstall her to her rightful place in history.
That is very convincing research, and yes there would be many many times when women have been not recognised or valued for their talents. I am looking forward to reading the book.
What a fabulous read. Thank you Natasha for bringing to light the interesting facts and details associated with a brilliant woman. Unfortunately, as we all know too well, in the past it was so common for women to be relegated to the background.
I, for one, am so glad you fell down that rabbit hole. Your research and evidence proved overwhelming in so many regards. Overwhelming sad, might I add. Sad also to consider that in some respects not a lot has changed ie. your reference to modern female celebrities at your talk. How much more power and hopefully more influence will books such as yours bring, shining a light not only on past but also hopefully present and future lenses to occurrences like this. Congratulations on so successfully opening this important issue and in a way that makes it accessible to new and a wider audience.
Yes, I always say it's a sad fact that I'll probably be able to keep writing books forever because there are so many women like Mizza who've either been forgotten or reduced by history.
That was an interesting piece of research, sad on a couple of levels. First, that she was so callously dismissed by contemporary critics. Second, that it was so easy (relatively) to find the truth. I'd like to think things are better now, and in many ways they are, but it is still all too easy to find those who will dismiss the accomplishments of women solely because they are women.
Yes, that was exactly the thing that infuriated me so much when I was doing the research – it took some time and a little effort to find the truth, but it wasn't especially hard, particularly for journalists who have much better access to magazine and newspaper archives than I do. Mizza's story could easily have been included in all of those non-fiction books about Dior, if only someone had bothered to stop and wonder if there was more to Mizza than the tried-and-true story of woman as muse.
I'm speechless, but I guess I'm still able to write. How many times do other women have to unearth the real story behind these women who have been nearly erased from the past. Thank you SO much for this insightful and detailed report.
I think there are, unfortunately, countless women like this, lost in history's tunnel-vision and amnesia. I'd like to think today's women won't be similarly lost and rewritten, but I'm far from certain about that. Glad you enjoyed reading about Mizza.
Have you read Susan Vreeland's book "Clara and Mr. Tiffany"? I hate to admit that's the first time my eyes were opened to this behavior. I'm 68, so I've been through the equality battles and really thought that by now things would be different for my daughter. It is slightly, but so much needs to be done. I'm glad that books like yours and hers are educating us on this. I should have realized how pervasive it was.
No, I haven't - but I will now! Thanks for the recommendation!
Wow, I'm full of admiration for all your research here. This is so sad. It seems to have been so easy to denigrate Mizza's worth and rewrite her entire existence - which highlights the valuable work you're doing in helping to reinstall her to her rightful place in history.
Thank you, lovely! So glad we have something like Substack where we can write about these kinds of things!
That is very convincing research, and yes there would be many many times when women have been not recognised or valued for their talents. I am looking forward to reading the book.
Thanks Julie! I hope you enjoy it when you have the chance.
What a fabulous read. Thank you Natasha for bringing to light the interesting facts and details associated with a brilliant woman. Unfortunately, as we all know too well, in the past it was so common for women to be relegated to the background.
So glad you enjoyed reading this!
I, for one, am so glad you fell down that rabbit hole. Your research and evidence proved overwhelming in so many regards. Overwhelming sad, might I add. Sad also to consider that in some respects not a lot has changed ie. your reference to modern female celebrities at your talk. How much more power and hopefully more influence will books such as yours bring, shining a light not only on past but also hopefully present and future lenses to occurrences like this. Congratulations on so successfully opening this important issue and in a way that makes it accessible to new and a wider audience.
Yes, I always say it's a sad fact that I'll probably be able to keep writing books forever because there are so many women like Mizza who've either been forgotten or reduced by history.
Fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing your deep dive. I can’t wait for your book to release in Canada in the new year!
My pleasure! Yes, counting down to the North American release date!
I loved reading this! Fascinating, and such engrossing research!
We love the research side of things!