..In Napoleon IIII’s absence when he was at war (which was quite often), Eugenie ran the country. She supported the garment & textile industries, & hired only the finest fashion designers for herself & her friends.
She was a great customer for the infamous House of Charles Worth in Paris. Worth was an Englishman who introduced fashion shows, salon lighting, designer labels, & most importantly the concept of “costume” – meaning you had to have a different ensemble for each different activity.
(portrait: Eugenie made the crinoline world famous. Following French Royals’ tradition since about 1800, her formal receiving gown included fur.. usually ermine or mink with silk – this designed & made exclusively for her by Worth)