Dandy & Dapper

I suspect a search for a "boutonnière" rather than "lapel pin" might have yielded more satisfactory results. The term comes from the French word for a buttonhole and refers to its more specific placement on a jacket (thus minimising any damage to the garment). It is placed on the left, the same side as the pocket square. I am hesitant to trace the history of such decorative accoutrements as their origins are murky at best. Instead, I encourage you to add the following informative title to your library: The Boutonniere: Style in One's Lapel by Umberto Angeloni of Brioni (HK$163; www.amazon.com) They have been famously worn by style icons such as Cary Grant, who graces the cover of the book, to contemporary fashion designers including Tom Ford. Do keep in mind that if you want to sport a flower, they have a language of their own that held great significance well into the Victorian age. A visit to Wikipedia should help avoid embarrassment on that front. Suffice to say that flowers worn on the lapel are now reserved for special occasions, such as weddings. They should be fresh, and sourced from one's own garden, or a florist such as Boris & Matthew (HK$70 to HK$100; 25 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, tel: 2854 2834). In daily life, proceed with caution or stand out like a sore thumb.

If, ahem, some of us would get our heads out of the books, we'd realise that today's style is all about standing out and making personal style statements. It's cool to be, well, a dandy again. And it's not a cheap thrill either. Just look at famous old brands such as Etro, whose autumn-winter jackets come with flower pins on the lapels (HK$11,100 to HK$14,200; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2530 3063). My absolute faves have to be the Lanvin buttonhole flower pins in different choices of tattered dress shirt fabrics or more formal wools (HK$1,400 to HK$1,600; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7686). More adventurous types might like to know that I've also found some amazingly creative ones at Etsy.com for as little as HK$80 (type in "boutonniere"). Also, if you like your arts and crafts, go to MarthaStewartWeddings.com; search for "the best boutonnieres" to find fantastic DIY ideas, such as the easy-to-make ribbon medallion or fabric flower pins. And, guys, don't be afraid to sport the look this summer with a blazer and khakis or even Bermuda shorts!