Holy Socks Batman!

These are not any old red socks but genuine Gammarelli ones. Gammarelli have been in the business of dressing popes since 1798. With some of their very best customers in town I imagine that they have been very busy during the last week, though for some reason it all went a bit quiet yesterday. The calm before the storm.

In 2009 Vincent Metzer saw a business opportunity and negotiated a deal to sell Gammarelli socks in his shop in Paris. The wonderfully named Mes Chaussettes Rouges.

The Esteemed NM (that is how they addressed her in the hand written note that came with the online order!) gave me this pair and a purple (usually for bishops) pair as a gift.

They are calf length which is ideal under your soutane. But I couldn't possibly show you an image to illustrate that as it would involve my knobbly knees.

I couldn't possibly say who Mes Chaussettes Rouge are describing on their website:

The Mes Chaussettes Rouges man is quietly but firmly insistent about things being done properly: he instinctively knows what's what. Not for him vulgar fads: style is simply a way of life (and he'll spot a kindred spirit as readily as any imposter).

There are no fashion faux pas, no misplaced attempts at trend-setting-just contemporary elegance, beautifully and consistently executed. The concept of 'Sunday best' would be puzzling, and conformity equally abhorrent (he feels there are enough grey clones in the world).

He is cultivated enough to be just as comfortable chatting to the postman as delighting a cocktail party with his caustic wit. He laughs at the world, but also at himself.

Flippant but never frivolous, decent without being prim, engaging yet detached, he's always in control. But don't let his external demeanour fool you: he is also understated, polite and appreciative. He's philosophical about the tough times, and generous in the good-and unstintingly and selflessly compassionate and caring.

He is an honest man and wears socks from Mes Chausettes Rouges.