"I was warned about the Andrés," said my pretty Californian visitor.
"Who are the Andrés?"
"Those are the older French men who come on to you," she said. "They try to get the American girls to fall for them."
I told her about Le Divorce (where the "André" is said to be based on a real person), in which the pretty Californian has an affair with a handsome, sophisticated much older man. When he is ready to break it off, he sends her an Hermès bag.
"You mean, a Birkin bag?" my Californian said.
"I don't remember," I said. "Maybe it was a Kelly bag."
"Those are beautiful bags!" she said. "What a nice souvenir! That would sure make you forgive and forget, wouldn't it?
"I like older men, too."
In the movie it is a crocodile Kelly bag. And actually, he gave it to her before starting the affair. The rule was, a bag to start the affair, an Hermes scarf to end it.
I don't think it has anything in particular to do with Americans though. The older politican / young mistress thing is typical for all countries ;) Any French girl would count herself lucky for such a gift. And most French men I know preferably go for a Russian or Scandinavian girl.
Posted by: Constance | 03 December 2011 at 13:48
Thanks for the info-- I don't have the book any more. As for Russian/Scandinavian/Californian-- all I can say is, you haven't seen this girl!
Posted by: Sedulia | 03 December 2011 at 15:35
Well, I am guessing you will enjoy reading my next post, to be published on Monday-- It is dedicated to Hermes, and I mention the same movie in the story! A bientot, et bon weekend! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Posted by: Veronique Savoye | 03 December 2011 at 16:49