A Message of Support to Paris

Like the rest of the world, the Little Black Book team was horrified and heartbroken in equal measure at the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night. Numbed, we watched throughout the night and over the weekend as detail after horrifying detail emerged. We would like to reach out to our friends in France – old, new and those we’ve yet to meet – to offer our support and solidarité.

Our immediate thoughts turned to the safety of our many friends in Paris and we were appalled to learn the French advertising industry lost at least three of its brothers in the attacks. We cannot truly comprehend the anguish and grief of their friends and family and co-workers, but know that we are thinking of you.

Paris is a city Little Black Book knows well and loves profoundly. It is a beacon of creativity and beauty – and the home for many deeply respected friends and colleagues. There is little we can do at this point beyond reaching out to with love and empathy – in this respect we are probably not so different from the rest of the world, feeling helpless and confused in the face of a threat that would destroy lives, destroy families. 

2015 has been a year of deep pain for Paris – the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January left scars that were just starting to heal and they’ve been ripped open afresh. Ordinary people maimed and murdered while simply trying to live life to the fullest – sharing food with family, enjoying a friendly football match, rocking out with a favourite band. 

But one thing that we do know is that Paris is a city whose spark cannot be destroyed. The epicentre of the Enlightenment, the home to trailblazing thinkers and searing creative talents over the centuries, it is a crucible of ideas and progress and innovation. Long may that flame burn.

Vive la France.