The London Lounge

Gents

I need some help from esteemed and knowledgeable members here. In short I am in search of a boutonnière.

There are few times if ever, for me when there is need for wearing one but whenever such an occasion arrives I am filled up with almost dread as I am unable to tackle this aspect of menswear and always have been rather ineffective in my search for a decent boutonnière. Now, what I am in need for is a artficially made boutonnière. Yes, I am aware it may be (and likely is) considered naff but this is one of those occasion I would not mind it. I am always uncomfortable at the thought of plucking a flower for my self adornment. So for years I have thought this problem can be resolved if I can find a nice discreet looking boutonnière that can be used for such occasions. Moreover, it is even worse if the said occasion is at a small remote town / country.

Going to any local florist in need for that perfect boutonnière is absolutely useless, as what passes for a "buttonhole" these days is mostly apt for a vase! And it itches me to no end when even a small carnation never ends up laying flat against the lapel. I thoroughly dislike the aspect of seeing the pedicel above the lapel.

So, my question to you gents is where can I get a decent boutonnière made? (synthetic) Bespoke/RTW please give me all options as long as they speak english and are willing to ship (if outside of US esp). I would greatly appreciate any help in this matter. The events I have to attend are around Christmas and NewYear in about a month.

Finally, for an informal evening wedding (dark lounge suits worn by guests) what would be an appropriate buttonhole? Kindly give both examples... strict (traditional) and more somewhat contemporary yet correct.

Regards

P.S Its been a long while since I have been here. I had some time so it is good to catch up on material and advise given here. As always, my complements to Alden, Costi (& any other Mod I may have missed for making it a very unique place online to exchange ideas in a civilized manner.

Well, you probably have something bigger in mind, and though not quite a boutonnière (more like a lapel pin), I guess this would be an opportunity http://vandafineclothing.com/store/lape ... -pins.html

Cheers,
Soren

If I was in need of lapel embellishment, I think I'd opt for this:

http://store.asuitablewardrobe.net/wate ... renew.aspx

Yes, I am in full agreement with JSG and advise the same.

Etutee, faced with the same problem I have opted for small rose buds instead of artificial flowers. Patio roses grown in pots produce masses of small buds in all my chosen colours. A couple of turns around the stem with florists tape keep coats from getting stained.

Regards Snapper

Greetings Etutee!

You're a lucky man. My tailor hasn't even cut my boutonniere hole! Nor put a stem 'holder thread' behind the lapel.

What am I to do?!

soren wrote:Well, you probably have something bigger in mind, and though not quite a boutonnière (more like a lapel pin), I guess this would be an opportunity http://vandafineclothing.com/store/lape ... -pins.html

Cheers,
Soren

Thank you Soren but as you mentioned it is too small, however tasteful indeed.

J.S. Groot wrote:If I was in need of lapel embellishment, I think I'd opt for this:

http://store.asuitablewardrobe.net/wate ... renew.aspx

Thank You J.S. Groot & Rodes for the suggestion. I will likely by going with this option.

Snapper: Thank You for the small rose bud suggestion. However, one slight problem remains and that is what to do when no florist is at hand? Such as events in small remote towns and when you arrive on a very tight schedule to search for a suitable florist.

uppercase wrote:Greetings Etutee!

You're a lucky man. My tailor hasn't even cut my boutonniere hole! Nor put a stem 'holder thread' behind the lapel.

What am I to do?!

Uppercase! Good to hear from you old friend. I find that impossible to believe Considering the amount of bespoke garments you have and from as many esteemed tailors... the last thing I would expect you to worry about is "buttonhole" on lapel.

Depending on how much you wish to spend, you might do well to check out Lanvin. They have a few RTW boutonnieres online (Mr Porter?) and I believe their Savile Row branch stocks an array of them.

ItsLouis wrote:Depending on how much you wish to spend, you might do well to check out Lanvin. They have a few RTW boutonnieres online (Mr Porter?) and I believe their Savile Row branch stocks an array of them.

Thank You for your info. I saw them at Mr. Porter and they look very nice except they are in dark navy and black. Not exactly the color you would want to wear for boutonnière as a guest to a wedding.

Edit: Checked on their website and they do have 2 more colors and ship to US. Sadly no white or red. But definitely good to know.

Dear Etutee,

What a joy to read you again!
You know what I do when I feel the need to put something in my lapel buttonhole, but a fresh flower seems too precious? I simply look around me on the street for the first down feather that any bird has recently shed from its plumage and stick into my lapel buttonhole. Just a couple of centimeters long, they come in particularly beautiful shades of gray from pigeons
That's how it's done:

Avec panache!
This one even looks like a flower
And they can mean so much...

Good luck finding your unique buttonhole feather - a fresh one every day, if you so please, a free gift of nature, and never ache again at plucking another flower.

(and you are too kind with your compliments, I ought to blush really...)