First Lady of Elegance

The title of the book, The First Lady of Elegance, refers to Hana Benešová's two most famous roles. She was a model First Lady and a model of elegance. It was a long road to achieving both. She was born Anna Vlčková on 16th July 1885. Her fateful meeting with Edvard Beneš changed her life. She stood by his side through all the ups and downs. She was the wife of a secondary school teacher, an emigrant, a minister of foreign affairs and finally, a president. Her life reflects a significant part of 20th-century history.

Because her predecessor, Charlotta Masaryková, was seriously ill and died soon after, Hana is still seen as the first true First Lady. She had prepared for this role for years as the wife of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanying her husband and President Masaryk to numerous social events. According to her contemporaries, she was always cultivated, presentable and tactful.

She did not acquire these qualities overnight. A certain humility was inherent to her, but she honed her language skills, communication agility and distinguished demeanour through numerous contacts, frequent travel and self-education. Her appearance was also part of the overall image of the always-noble First Lady.

Thanks to her always fashionable, occasion-appropriate, high-quality outfits that matched her personal style, she became a model of elegance. She was emulated by Marta Gottwaldová and many ordinary women. The magic of elegance, however, lies not in a perfect garment from a prestigious fashion house, but is created by the harmony of taste and one’s inner world, i.e., the harmony of the clothing with its wearer. Hana’s unique approach to fashion was most evident in her fondness for suits.

She favoured English-style tuxedo-cut suits, which she embellished with a range of accessories. Hats, in particular, played an important role. In contrast to the simple, practical suits, her hats were chic and striking. Hana had the ability to combine items and wear her outfits with noblesse. This is what we now refer to as “First Republic elegance”. And Hana embodied this more than anyone else.