Made in France

— The New Dating Layout

With the pandemic, online dating apps have grown and got populated with thousands of new users. With over 50 million registered users, Tinder remains the most popular dating app in the world. Still, its horizontal photo swipe system and the unchanging layout seem to bore its younger and more dynamic users. If they want to involve young people, the dating apps need a more technological and dynamic approach, as well as a flexible and persona one. This time the answer comes from France, and it is called Feels. A novelty in the world of dating apps.

What is so innovative? Feels fights the horizontal photo swipe that characterises almost all dating apps. Inspired by other social networks, such as Snapchat or Tik Tok, Feels focuses on vertical scrolling and, above all, on dynamic profiles. Instead of bio and studied photos, Feels prefers instant videos and stories: short, immediate and above all spontaneous contents. Is that it? For the new generations, innovation is made up of small but fundamental changes, and according to TechCrunch, with considerable investments, Feels aims to reach one million users in France by the end of the year. A small Made in France revolution that will probably be able to make big numbers.

— Electric Motor, Democratic Design

Thanks to Tesla’s constant innovation in the automotive industry, electric vehicles have gone from being slow and boring to being extravagant and seductive. But the best-selling electric car in Europe comes from France: the Renault Zoe has climbed the bestseller lists thanks to its convenience,  accessibility and functionality. Sure, it’s not a Tesla – there’s no Romance mode with a digital fireplace or air-cushion sound effects. It focuses on functionality, not luxury.

Zoe makes a promise within everyone’s reach: electrical life is easier and much more accessible than we think. Electric vehicles today don’t have to be packed with features to appeal to the mainstream. “The EV demographic began as a domain of middle-aged, eco-conscious men and high-end city drivers,” says Linda Grave, CEO of EV Driver. “But now, also thanks to government subsidies, it is moving towards a wider audience, such as gender, age and lifestyle.”

— The Michelin Star Goes Vegan

Located on the southwest coast of France, ONA – Non-Animal Origin – was recently awarded both a Michelin star and a green clover, a recognition introduced in 2020 by Michelin to reward restaurants with strong ethical approaches. Opened in 2016, ONA serves gourmet dishes with ingredients such as pine, porcini mushrooms and sake, or celery, tonka, and amber beer.

The Michelin award marks a crucial cultural change, especially for a country like France, which has always stood out for its strong tradition in meat consumption.

Giving the best French chefs the chance to be creative even with vegan recipes means bringing veganism into the spotlight of luxury catering.

Classic starred or vegan starry? This question will become increasingly recurring in the choice of a luxury restaurant and experimental vegan cuisine will hit straight to the heart (and on the palate) of French gourmets.