What about a boutonnière?

[KD Burke]

I have, for reasons of my own, begun to wear a small red poppy lapel pin throughout the year whenever a jacket is appropriate. It is unobtrusive and goes unremarked save for those who recognize its meaning.

I am considering the possibility of using a fresh cut red poppy as a boutonnière when available. As I am posting in the "Traditional" forum, I am obviously interested in comments on the boutonnière in highland attire. Is it done? On what occasions?

Secondarily, has anyone ever considered using a silk flower as a boutonnière when the genuine article is unavailable?

I ask on the assumption that ignorance is curable!

Thanks!

[Lyle1]

I'll let someone else address what is done in the Highlands, but I will say "no" to the silk flower, anywhere. The little red paper poppy would be acceptable, but not a silk flower. I can't explain why; it would simply be very wrong.

[DougC]

The red paper poppy will be well worn at the end of the month. KD, hope you didn't lose anyone close to you.

[JSFMACLJR]

I frequently wear a flower in my buttonhole. ALWAYS a real one! I'm not sure if a real poppy would hold up to much abuse, though. They wilt quite quickly.

[macwilkin]

The British & Canadian Legion, as well as Australian RSL offer metal poppies to be worn as lapel badges. A friend of mine in Queensland sent me one that I wear every 11 November, Memorial Day, ANZAC Day, etc.

T.

[Panache]

A gentleman's boutonnière should be a real flower.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[piperdbh]

This is from americanmeadows.com
I've never tried it, but it just might work. Let us know how it turns out.

It’s true that the flowers [poppies] are very fleeting, lasting in a vase sometimes only for hours. They don’t wilt, but the delicate petals begin to fall quickly. To avoid this, there is something you can do. As you cut the flowers, take only the freshest. Then use a large match or cigarette lighter, holding the cut end of the stem over the flame, and let it sear the end of the stem until it’s almost black. This seals the milky juices into the stem, and usually at least doubles the life of the flower in water.

If you had a water pick to stick the stem into, you might get by without searing the end of the stem.

[BoldHighlander]

The British & Canadian Legion, as well as Australian RSL offer metal poppies to be worn as lapel badges. A friend of mine in Queensland sent me one that I wear every 11 November, Memorial Day, ANZAC Day, etc.

The Royal Canadian Legion Catalogue

Australian War Memorial - Shop: Enamel Poppy Badge

[BoldHighlander]

The Royal British Legion - The Poppy Shop

from The Poppy Appeal:
"Poppy Brooches: Bridal designer Yarwood-White has produced a new poppy brooch this year and the red satin ruche Poppy has been worn by Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole on The X Factor.

This pretty satin ribbon poppy has a dark velvet centre piece and pressed glass bead centre, and it would look equally at home on men’s evening wear or a lady's gown...."
X Factor Charity Poppies by Yarwood-White

[Good Egg]

There is a Scottish version of the poppy although I have not seen it as a lapel badge/tie pin see http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/



Whilst I appreciate where the OP is coming from I think it is important not to treat 'the poppy' as a 'fashion' accessory.