Lapel Faire!

I am a bit late with this post as ANZAC day in Australia is on April 25th, however I am going to continue as I think this is something that a gentleman (or lady) can adopt that has all the savoir faire in the world.

For those of you outside of Australia ANZAC stands for the Australian New Zealand Army Corp and ANZAC day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates those that fought in Gallipoli Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries.

A wonderful tradition is the wearing of small sprigs of rosemary in the coat lapel as a sign of remembrance and commemoration. My mother still has growing in her garden a rosemary bush that is over 50 years old taken from a sprig of rosemary that was worn by my grandfather in an ANZAC parade many years ago.


Now that the weather is getting cooler and men will be donning jackets once more I think nothing cuts more of a dash than wearing a boutonnière. However, nowadays flowers generally seem to be regulated to weddings and can be a little too formal. Instead grab a single herb and pin it to your label as below. Mint or lavender as does any herb looks fantastic. I always try and pin a little something on a lapel if I am wearing a jacket.

To be a little more unusual find some wheat or other grass with seeds and do the same. However just keep it a single variety, remember less is more!

Savoir Faire in Blue

While not particularly me, you cannot deny this sofa has some serious savoir faire and style going on!

Monday Savoir Faire

After posting on the Balenciaga and Saint Laurent men’s collections last week, which I was extremely disappointed with, thought it would be nice to start the work week off with some clothes that I would actually purchase and wear!

I have soft spot for that veritable French House of Carven. Little known these days and just a shade of its former self the house has struggled over the last decade or so to find a niche and survive. Founded in 1945 by Madame Carven who turned 100 last year the house has gone through several reorganisations over the last couple of years.

Now concentrating on ready to wear and under the directorship of Guillaume Henry, the house has refined its direction in tune with the 21st century.

The winter 2010 collection for men is simple paired down classic elegance which is instantly wearable. This is for the man who appreciates good quality and modernity without going over the edge. Good essentials to mix and match, however I do think a little splash of colour wouldn’t go astray, as some of it is a bit too muted, however will let you be the judge.