Co-rippler:  Antoinette Petruccelli

"It's not only about being noticed but being remembered,' is the ethos behind My Boutonnière, an accessory brand founded by Antoinette Petruccelli in 2015.  Her creations of signature boutonnières are not only the definition of handmade in Italy, but they are made with love.  ”The flower creations derived from a deeply emotional part of my life,” Petruccelli explains.  She had a surplus of beautiful Italian fabrics that begged to be repurposed, so she picked up her needle and began sewing.  Initially what came of it were flowers for men.  “I wanted men to get in touch with their emotions and the sensitivity they have inside,” she admits.  “That is why the flower is worn on the left side over the heart.”

Working within the fashion and design industry since the late 1980s in Australia, New York, Florence and Milan, it has always been the fabric, colour and textiles that are a primary source of Petruccell’s inspiration. Each flower is handmade by Italian artisans and the fabrics are repurposed from silk stock and old tie material that would otherwise be discarded.

Not dissimilar to a bee’s attraction to a flower, the boutonnière becomes a point of conversation between people. “When women and men wear the flowers, connection and conversation seems to ensue that draws people to them,” Petruccelli smiles.  “Not only do my boutonnières help people to distinguish themselves by adding something special to their look, but they also become a source of networking.  Over the years, I believe that it is the connection with other people that counts.” 

With this latest collaboration with Lady Ripple, My Boutonnière has recently developed for women a larger flower with a delicate gold-plated bee charm and can by stylized in different ways to accessorize their look in their hair, neck, belt or wrist. “Every flower is a part of me,” Petruccelli says. “If I can bring a bit of joy to someone, then I am happy. It's my way of giving back beauty to the world.”