The London Lounge

Do gentleman of this forum consider the discreet embroidering of initials on a linen handkerchief too much of affection?

Anonymous wrote:Do gentleman of this forum consider the discreet embroidering of initials on a linen handkerchief too much of affection?

'Love thy neighbour as thyself' implies that self-love is in order - so go for it!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do gentleman of this forum consider the discreet embroidering of initials on a linen handkerchief too much of affection?

'Love thy neighbour as thyself' implies that self-love is in order - so go for it!

So I should put my neighbour's initials on my handkerchief?

pvpatty

Not if you think there is any chance of you laundering service mistaking it for someone else's...

Costi

youR

C

Initially, my reaction was to say that they are an affectation. However, after further thought, I have changed my mind. They could help identify your remains if, when drunk, you fall in front of a bus, tram or a train. Your dentist would be saved a lot of trouble.

There is an episode in “Jeeves and Wooster” in which Jeeves is flabbergasted at the discovery of handkerchiefs with Wooster’s initials in his wardrobe. Jeeves suggests, then, that initials are quite useful for gentlemen prone to forgetting their own names.

Marcelo

Whether discreet of flamboyant, there's no need for embroidered initials on a linen handkerchief or a shirt. You should know who you are and have enough confidence in yourself without having to display your initials in high relief.

There's nothing wrong with an embroidered linen handkerchief worn as a pocket square. Look for a dealer that specializes in vintage linen and search for an intricately embroidered wide border design. The meticulous work on these pieces is all done by hand. Keep in mind these rarities
are for show, not for blow nor to be offered to a teary-eyed lady. If worn in your breast pocket, they shouldn't need any laundering. A press might be in order occasionally, preferably by a tailor, not a drycleaner.

JMB

A sample of the Duke's collection of handkerchieves with His initials embroidered .



Marcelo

Anonymous wrote:A sample of the Duke's collection of handkerchieves with His initials embroidered .Marcelo

Marcello: Thanks for the fascinating photo. It's a wonderful peek into a little corner of the satorial life of one of the masters. My German (American) grandmother always told me that "God lives (and living a good life lies) in the details". That's why I love the insights that I can pick up around here; this is just another good example of that.
jack

Of course, if you're a duke or a prince, that changes everything. The monogram contains first of all the crown or coat of arms, which identifies the owner as member of a certain family and the object as belonging to it; if you live in several palaces with a large household this may prove very useful. Then, if the object is personal, it includes the owner's innitials.

Costi

I like hand embroidered handkerchiefs very much, so far I have just a few white ones with my initials. The next time I go to Italy, I have to stock up.

Here is a little video about Siniscalchi - from about 4:08 on you can see some nicely handmade monograms - I sure they'd also do that on a pocket square.

Anonymous wrote:I like hand embroidered handkerchiefs very much, so far I have just a few white ones with my initials. The next time I go to Italy, I have to stock up.

Here is a little video about Siniscalchi - from about 4:08 on you can see some nicely handmade monograms - I sure they'd also do that on a pocket square.

Here is the link of the video I forgot to post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMU5V4uE ... re=related

le.gentleman

I would actually rather see a monogram on a hardkercheif than a shirt...

Anonymous wrote:I would actually rather see a monogram on a hardkercheif than a shirt...

It depends on whose shirt you see the monogram. If it is on your own, and you are the sole spectator, I think it is fairly acceptable, though rather idiosyncratic.

Marcelo