This First Lady Broke Gender Barriers in Argentina's Politics
Who: Eva "Evita" Perón (full name: María Eva Duarte de Perón), a legendary figure in Argentine politics who used her position as first lady to fight for women's voting rights and the underprivileged; May 7, 1919–July 26, 1952
Why She Dazzles: She grew up poor, established a career for herself as an actress in Buenos Aires, and became a world-renowned first lady who used her position and power for good.
Why You Need to Know Her Today: Eva gave radio addresses and speeches at rallies to help women win the right to vote. She also established the Eva Perón Foundation to fight poverty and spent countless hours giving money and medicine to those in need. Remember, we can always lend a helping hand like Eva.
What She Would Say—Because She Said It Then: “I demanded more rights for women because I know what women had to put up with.”
What the Ladies Rocked Then: Anything by Dior marveled the most fashionable of the time, including Eva. Not only did Dior’s "New Look" of the 1940s make every woman the belle of the ball, but he also partnered with designers in the U.S. and Europe to make costume jewelry. Dior considered jewelry a major aspect of his collections, and he asked the designers to mirror his work in their pieces, which elevated his looks even more.
How You Can Rock It Now: Floral motifs. Dior’s independent jewelry designers often created pieces with floral motifs because he admired the French countryside and used the inspiration in his clothing. Likewise, the first lady of Argentina wore many floral patterns and sometimes wore flowers on her lapel. Responding to a journalist about his royal clientele, Dior quipped, “The only queen I ever dressed was Eva Perón.”
Where She May Like to Instagram: The Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires. It’s named for its distinctive color—pink—and it’s where Eva made her final speech to thousands of supporters. From the balcony of the presidential office, she spoke to poor laborers and gained her and her husband, Juan Perón, more approval from the working class. You can listen to Eva in her own words here.
Shop the Sparkle: Flower Power
Please Share! How does Eva Perón inspire you? #anewlady