Louise Vernier grew up in the slums of Paris as France endured Louis Napoleon's Second Empire, both risk-taking and jubilant. And it became a symbol of French haute couture. Clothes turned out to be her calling; she designed exquisite outfits for the most famous aristocrats and courtesans of her time, because even debauchery should delight. Louise created high fashion, but remained in the shadow of her teacher - the famous couturier Charles Worth, for whom she retained a deep love for her whole life...