Francophiles can now buy their own little piece of liberté, égalité, fraternité for less than the cost of a continental breakfast.
Last week the French Presidency released a collection of licensed gifts and clothes adorned with President Emmanuel Macron and icons of the gallic culture. Within three days the online store sold around €350,000 worth of goods, with everything from a €19 tote bag emblazoned with a stylised ‘Président’ to a 14k gold-filled liberté bracelet that will set shoppers back €250.
Picture this: you could enjoy sipping a café au lait from an official Macron portrait mug while tucking into a box of Pierre Hermé x Elysee Palace macaroons, the quintessential Parisian treat. And if you fancy looking ‘cute but ridiculous’ while you’re tucking in, don’t forget to snag a ‘croquignolesque’ t-shirt, yours for €55.
The merchandising programme has been set up to raise funds to contribute to the costs of maintaining the Palais de l’Élysée, the residence of the incumbent French head of state.
Championing French companies is also high on the agenda. Licensees include Bic, Atelier Paulin, La Maison du Carnet, and Mug in France, and all products in the selection of around 60 items showcase “French know-how” and embody the “prestige and excellence of French culture”, according to the store’s website.
Image credit: Mug in France and Atelier Paulin / boutique.elysee.fr
