Excerpt from Adrian Leeds’ newsletter, Parler Paris…
Nov 28, 2018
BERETS, BAGUETTES, AND BEYOND
Margo Lestz is full of trivia for those lovers of France who can’t get enough fascinating facts about their favorite country. Since I am a lover of berets, the title really caught my eye: Berets, Baguettes, and Beyond, a collection of curious histories all related to what we know as symbols of France.
Here’s an excerpt about berets (with my personal comments in brackets []):
The French Beret
“The French beret, that little pancake of a hat, has become the recognized symbol of all things French – at least among those outside of France. The traditional French beret is just a flat circular hat of felted wool with a little “tail” poking out the top. But stick one of these on anything and it automatically becomes French.
It certainly is a practical little hat. It’s warm, waterproof, and can be tucked in your pocket when it’s not needed. [That’s one thing I love about it!] But it’s much more than just a simple head covering. It’s a statement and an attitude that adapts to anyone’s personal style. [You got that right, Margo!] This might explain why it has been worn by such diverse segments of society over the years. From shepherd to artist, soldier to film star, the beret has identified and conveyed the mood of its wearer.
Even though the beret has a strong association with France, it has been worn in many parts of the world throughout history, and the French don’t claim to have invented it. In fact, they credit Noah (from the Bible) with its invention.””
There’s plenty more…but I’ll let you read the rest for yourself. For now, I’ll close with this:
“So whether you want to portray yourself as villain or hero, simpleton or intellectual, the beret can help you define your image. It’s more than just a hat — it’s a state of mind. [Margo, there’s no doubt you’re right. Where would I be without my berets?!]
If you love France and are curious about all things French, this book is for you. In it you will find stories exploring the curious histories behind everyday French symbols: From berets to baguettes, and beyond.
Order Berets, Baguettes, Beyond from Amazon.com. Or visit Margo’s site
and subscribe to her Blog.
And for a past issue of Parler Paris about berets, visit adrianleeds.com/parler-nice/.
A la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
Adrian Leeds Group
(by Erica Simone)
Excerpt from December 24, 2018
Excerpt:
… On route on the train, I read Margo Lestz’s new book, Berets, Baguettes and Beyond, Curious Histories of France and giggled through her sweet sense of humor and marveled at the information I would never have discovered without her. I’d make a bet that 99.99 percent of the French don’t know even 10% of the true history of France about which she has written. For example, I lived most of my youth on a street named Fleur de Lis Drive in New Orleans. I always understood that a Fleur de Lis was not only a symbol in New Orleans, but was a symbol in France and that it meant “lily flower.”
Wrong. First of all, there are two spellings: Fleur de Lis and Fleur de Lys. Both are correct, but it’s not a lily. The word “Lis” or “Lys” comes from the Lys River in Pas de Calais, along which grows yellow irises from which the shape of the Fleur de Lys is taken. The reason it became the symbol of royalty is also explained in the book, so I remind you that the Fleur de Lys is not looked upon kindly in France, while in New Orleans, it is THE symbol and will likely always be, made even more popular by the New Orleans football team “The Saints” which is the 11th most popular sports team and the 32nd most famous in the U.S.! …
A la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
Adrian Leeds Group
(by Erica Simone)