Yola Henriquet, was the third wife of French businessman and media magnate Louis Letellier. He married Yola, who was forty years his minor, when she was seventeen years old. Their relationship is believed to be the inspiration for Colette’s novella Gigi. Yola, like Gigi in the novella, was raised by courtesans and was likely a courtesan herself. As a socialite in Paris, Yola was photographed not only by Steichen, but also by Man Ray and the Séeberger brothers, wearing the latest fashion by famous designers. The portrait was probably commissioned by Henri Letellier.