Refugees followers of ex-President's fashion

Jacques Chirac's old clothes were donated after a charity that works with refugees issued an appeal for warm clothes during the winter cold snap

Published Modified

A number of refugees in France are walking around in clothes that were once worn by a former President of the Republic.

Jacques Chirac's old clothes were donated after a charitable organisation that works with refugees issued an appeal for warm clothes during the winter cold snap.

The Foundation Chirac, which is run by the former President's daughter, was notified of the appeal by one of its board members, photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

Three days later, Mr Arthus-Bertrand told L'Obs newspaper, an official car arrived at the organisation, filled with warm clothes, jumpers and suits donated by Mr Chirac, who was President from 1995 to 2007, and his family.

"Symbolically, I think it's wonderful to know that a president's clothes are worn by refugees," Arthus-Bertrand told the newspaper.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France