à la française

The placket is a fascinating spot for distinction; it can barge out front, or slither against you à la française, or hide entirely.

When they first settled in Seattle, Theresa worked at a sandwich shop and Augustine worked at the now-closed Pike Place Market bakery A La Francaise, while saving money to start another business.

And although learning about l’art de vivre a la française is integral to the program, so, too, is learning how not to be French.

Pandemic isolation, the grim toll of widespread infection and death and months spent lounging in sweatpants can make slipping into the distant past via a robe à la française, swathed in 10 yards of silk, even more appealing.

“It’s a virus that’s very damaging for the way of life a la Francaise - eating, a glass of wine, a chat,” said Julien Borowczyk, a doctor and member of parliament who is chairing a commission into how the government managed the epidemic.