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Luxury accessories are no longer the status symbols they were in years past. Today, anyone with money can buy a Louis Vuitton bag or a Chanel purse. Even the ones in short supply can be bought at auction if you have the money. If you are short on money but have the right connections, the fakes are very convincing. What about jewelry? Haven’t you been amazed at lab created diamonds? Lapel pins fit into a different category.
If you are younger than a Baby Boomer, you might think lapel pins are an oddity or a theatrical prop. You would need to wear a collared jacket, meaning you are probably wearing a tie. You do neither. Stay with me on this subject.
1. Rosette
While at a charity event I saw one of our friends wearing what appeared to be a tight fabric rosebud on his suit jacket lapel. I asked about it. He explained he is a member of a prestigious private club in the city. (He named the club.) I knew from general knowledge the application process took years and involved both proposal from current members and an interview process. It’s a way members of the same club identify each other.
2. Military emblem
While at Church one Sunday I saw a fellow with a yellow shield, worn as a lapel pin. He explained that the yellow shield was the insignia of the First Cavalry Division, playing a major role in the Pacific theater during World War II. His military experience is an important part of his life.
3. Seniority pins
We sail with Cunard, which has a loyalty program similar to hotels and airlines. Those last two generally require you to re-earn your status level every year. Cunard’s status levels build over your lifetime. The lapel pin is worn at formal events announcing your status in the hierarchy.
4. Giving societies
Nonprofits like colleges and hospitals are world class in their fundraising efforts. If you contribute at a certain tier, you are awarded a lapel pin, announcing your status as a higher supporter. These are often woen at formal or dress up events. They start conversations.
5. Longevity
My college graduating class recently celebrated our 50th anniversary. This brings us into a different alumni category, the “Old Guard.” It sounds like “old folks” until you realize the Old Guard was Napoleon’s highest level military unit. We attended the Old Guard Luncheon where every attending class member was awarded their pin and photographed, similar to graduation half a century ago.
6. Professional societies
If you are a member of a trade group, you might have a lapel pin announcing your connection. In addition to a conversation starter, it also gives clues about your profession and practice. It announces your profession.
7. Political affiliation
Many people wear a lapel pin bearing the symbol of the political party they support. Unlike a campaign button, it does not refer to one specific candidate, but to to ideals you support. Many people strongly identify with one party.
8. Patriotism
You have seen people wearing a small flag emblem on their lapel. This speaks to their love of their country, rather than one political party. People with the same views see an instant connection.
9. Remembrance
In the UK, Remembrance Day is celebrated at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This is the moment, on November 11th, 1918 that World War I ended. The country stops what it is doing for two minutes. It is traditional to buy a paper lapel pin in the form of a red poppy, worn on that day. “Everyone” does it. For a few days, everyone wears the same lapel pin.
10. Hobby
I am a wine fan. I have a lapel pin that looks like a Swiss army knife with the corkscrew extending. It provides an opening for people wanting to start a conversation. I have never been able to find another, even using tools like Google lens. I often wear it to events where I do not know many people. It’s a conversation starter.
When people wear lapel pins, they are sending a message. Figuring out that message is the first step towards getting to know them better. This can lead to connections, friendship and perhap;s business.
Related: How to Personalize a Nonprofit Event