What do the Kelly bag by Hermes, bikini and Lacoste polo shirt have in common? They are all French inventions.

But not everyone might be aware that the four-hole button, parachute, pencil sharpener and even neon lights were also invented in France.

Iconic!, an exhibition now on at the Alliance Francaise de Singapour, hopes to open the eyes of visitors to some French inventions that have changed our daily lives. The showcase is part of the ongoing Voilah! France Singapore Festival.