It is now common for the world to be full of images of models, not only on street posters, but also on the Internet or on TV, thanks to advertisements. But in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was hard to be very popular. However, Cléo de Merode succeeded.
Born in 1875, the beautiful began learning to dance at the age of eight, and made her debut at the Paris Opera at the age of eleven, and soon after, in addition to her talent in ballet, she also attracted attention with her hairstyle, beauty and liveliness. Feminine elegance. She not only became a charming model, but was also considered the most beautiful woman in the Belle Époque as well as the first famous person in the world.
Cleo de Meraud: ballerina, model and celebrity
Already at the age of sixteen, she was a true icon of style: at that time she debuted with her iconic hairstyle, the knot, which all the eminent high-end women then tried to imitate. After a while, the ladies noticed not only her beauty and appearance, but also the artists. In 1895 his portrait was painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, among others it was painted by Charles Puyo, Alfredo Muller, Edgar Degas, Manuel Benedetto, Georges Clairin and Joseph Rebel Ronay, but he was also a model for sculptors. It was also photographed by the famous photographer Nadar, as well as Léopold-Émile Reutlinger, Henri Manuel and Otto Sarony, who also had photographic work for the stars.
Cléo de Mérode was announced in II. It was rumored that Leopold, King of Belgium, completely enchanted the ruler and then became his mistress, but the woman denied the allegations. However, the one thing that is certain is that the fame of his beauty, talent, style and photos taken of him spread all over the world. That is why he is considered the first real celebrity in the world.
Photos: Getty Images Hungary.
