The life of Pierrette “Pâquerette” Naudi, a prominent post-war fashion model who became a fixture of the international jet set, is the subject of a new biography by her son, Nicolas Roumiantzoff. According to the author, the book chronicles her journey from a difficult childhood in the Ariège region to her career as a fashion icon and her final years at the Montreux Palace in Switzerland. The work draws on personal archives, press clippings, and historical records to detail her influence on mid-century luxury fashion.
Who was Pâquerette, the icon of the Liberation?
Born in 1918, Pierrette Naudi rose to prominence in Paris during the mid-1940s. According to Nicolas Roumiantzoff’s biography, Pâquerette: Mannequin de la Libération, she adopted the name “Pâquerette” at the suggestion of couturier Jacques Fath. Her career coincided with a period of significant transition in the French luxury industry following the Second World War. By 1944, she had established herself as a recognizable model in Paris, eventually marrying Colonel Nicolas Roumiantzoff, a Companion of the Liberation, in 1947.
Pâquerette’s transition to high fashion was marked by her signature platinum blonde hair, a stylistic choice that mirrored the aesthetic shifts occurring in the United States with figures like Marilyn Monroe during the same era.
How did her life in the jet set influence fashion history?
Pâquerette’s influence extended beyond the runway into the world of high jewelry. As documented by her son, she was a dedicated collector of pieces from houses including Cartier, Chaumet, and Van Cleef & Arpels. The biography provides a detailed account of these acquisitions, framing her personal collection as a reflection of the era’s opulence. This focus on material culture distinguishes her story from other post-war biographies, which often prioritize political activity over the evolution of consumer luxury habits.
What were the final years of the “General’s Lady”?
After decades in the Parisian social scene, Pâquerette relocated to Switzerland in 2000. According to the biographical account, she lived at the Noga Hilton in Geneva before settling at the Montreux Palace. The author notes that she maintained a demanding presence among the hotel staff, keeping up her social rituals until her death in February 2008 at the age of 90. Her life in Switzerland is presented as a final chapter of a trajectory that began in the modest surroundings of a boulangerie in Foix.
Comparison: The Model vs. The Memoirist
| Subject | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Pâquerette (Pierrette Naudi) | Post-war fashion model, jewelry collector, and socialite. |
| Nicolas Roumiantzoff | Author and attorney who documented his parents’ lives. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the biography based on primary sources?
Yes. According to the author, the book utilizes personal archives, photographs, and contemporary press reports to verify the details of Pâquerette’s life.
Where is the book available?
Pâquerette: Mannequin de la Libération is published by Editions RPZ Quatorze Heures and is available through major bookstores and online retailers as of 2026.
Does the book cover her early life?
Yes, the text includes details regarding her upbringing in the Ariège, her family hardships, and her early professional experiences before moving to Paris in 1944.
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