Yes we do enjoy reflection, usually basking in the reflected glory of our Emperor who's name liveth for ever more as the period he graced. That we French were able to use mirrors to good effect as we hear the phrases "French flair" French finery" etc....rather than Prussian order and Wellington gumboots!
However you would never hear a Frenchman utter the words "A mirror! A mirror! My kingdom for a mirror!"
If your conquering the world and setting it on a new better path then why not look good whilst doing it!
Alexander did, the Romans did and so did L'Emperor and his magnificent host
Anyone can wear rags as we see on the muddy and grubby scum of the earth, mindless peasants, over bleached masses and despicable bandits.
A sense of superiority is often achieved by first impressions....the French just carried that on in fact
