In an opinion piece for the magazine Paris Match, designer Karl Lagerfeld was asked to weigh in on the state of France in a series of articles leading up to next year's presidential elections. As it turns out, Lagerfeld doesn't think very much of his adopted nation -- citing a "reticence to change" and a "lack of moxie." Karl also takes a swipe at the city of Paris, suggesting that while it is still a beautiful city, it has absolutely "no verve." Lagerfeld then goes on to complain about France's 35-hour-work week, saying, "Has work become so unexciting that over 35 hours on the job is hell?" (Wonder when Lagerfeld last spent the week working in a cubicle...)

Maybe it's just me, but I don't think it's France that has changed, but Lagerfeld. Looking at his list of grievances, the complaints sound less like substantive social critique and more like the rantings of a bored, old crank -- and French one at that.