synthetic boutonniere revisited

[arkirshner]

In that buying single flowers on a daily basis is at worst impossible, at best inconvenient, three years ago the legendary Etutee asked if anyone knew of a satisfactory synthetic boutonniere. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10479&p=60212&hilit ... ere#p60212 Unfortunately, the suggestions at the time were not satisfactory.

Now, three years later, the Gentleman's Gazette shop offers 24 synthetic boutonnieres. http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/shop/boutonnieres

Gentlemen, I request your opinions as to whether any of these meet your standards.

[davidhuh]

Now, three years later, the Gentleman's Gazette shop offers 24 synthetic boutonnieres. http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/shop/boutonnieres

Gentlemen, I request your opinions as to whether any of these meet your standards.

Dear Arkirshner,

while I recognise the effort, I would never use a synthetic boutonnière. It looks synthetic and it smells "trying too hard"

Cheers, David

[Luca]

For the same reason the original post described, I have considered buying a couple of these synthetic boutonnieres but somehow it does not feel right.

Leaving aside, for a moment, the perils of the very concept of "trying too hard" (on LL!!!), I've just never been able to muster any enthusiasm for artificial flora, no matter how visually convincing.

Clearly, it has great advantages in terms of availability, permanence, cost, low maintenance, etc.
But, I suppose, the very definition of nature is that it is...natural, alive, organic.
Fake flowers are a bit like the toupee of flowers; perfectly convincing if artfully executed but just not right (for me). I shall proceed bald and sans-boutonnière (mostly).

Yet classical apparel and all fashion is replete with artifice. Maybe it's just ethos-reasoning in action (in the Aristotelian sense). It is surely an interesting question.

[Rob O]

In my experience women invariably want to smell one's boutonnière. I'd be mildly embarrassed if I had to admit to a woman it was fake...

[arkirshner]

In my experience women invariably want to smell one's boutonnière. I'd be mildly embarrassed if I had to admit to a woman it was fake...

No doubt they are taking advantage of an opportunity to get close to you. I, on the other hand, am too old to induce such urges.

[Rob O]

I doubt that very much. Women always appreciate good taste.

[VRaivio]

I use clay boutonnieres from Vanda Fine Clothing. They don't try to imitate flowers like paper versions, the clay is hard and smooth. These work well for my use.

[Costi]

What I sometimes like to do when I'm in the mood for a boutonniere (in season) is to be spontaneous about it: I pick a fresh, small, beautiful wild flower from any bush or lawn. During winter, I feel less inspired to wear flowers and, on the rare occasion that I want one, I buy it.

[C.Lee]

I can think of no occasion where a synthetic flower would be a better choice than a fresh one. Not given or received as a gift. Not displayed on a table or in a room. Not held as a bouquet, or worn as a boutonniere.

Gentlemen, if that is not a fresh flower on your lapel, then consider it a lapel pin.


Regards.

[Concordia]

The artificial kind have been a long-standing tradition on Nov 11 in parts of the world. Perhaps something like this could be an elegant substitute.

[DFR]

The artificial kind have been a long-standing tradition on Nov 11 in parts of the world. Perhaps something like this could be an elegant substitute.

Though a very different purpose and certainly not likely to be considered trying too hard.

[hectorm]

The artificial kind have been a long-standing tradition on Nov 11 in parts of the world. Perhaps something like this could be an elegant substitute.

Yes, these are not (and they don´t want to be) synthetic flowers but cokcades. Provided they are not the size of the tricorne ones, I find them much more acceptable for a celebratory or remembrance mode than the artificial kind.

[Russell]

The artificial kind have been a long-standing tradition on Nov 11 in parts of the world. Perhaps something like this could be an elegant substitute.

The wearing of the artificial poppies during the run up to & on the 11th of November in the UK (and other countries) performs not only a role of remembrance but helps supports the work of the Royal British Legion & Haig Fund (and international equivalents) directly via the sale of the poppies. Elegance isn't a consideration - support is.

Regards
Russell

[hectorm]

Elegance isn't a consideration - support is.

I say: support with elegance shows even more consideration.

[Russell]

I say, support with elegance shows even more consideration.

The proceeds from the sale of the actual Legion poppies are very important – many people replace their ‘paper poppy’ daily for this reason.

Wearing anything other than the range of legion made poppies (even if a separate donation is made) would look more like ‘one-upmanship’ rather increased respect no matter how sincere the sentiment. More importantly it would also be at odds with the equality displayed via the arrangement of names on the local cenotaphs through to the single basic design of grave stones for the fallen (of any rank) in the war cemeteries.

I agree that elegant dress & behaviour shows respect - ample opportunity to do that by being smartly turned out at the remembrance service – finished with legion poppy.

Regards
Russell