Darling Fred… The Art of Paper, Pen, and Really Fancy Envelopes
A Friday morning after the Thursday “that was too gruesome to be Thursday”, the ever so chic Holly Golightly faced a dilemma: That of an apology for her behavior last night. A dilemma quite commonplace, even if we hate to admit it. We all have been there and whether we like it or not, faux-pas happens- especially when we have had one too many cosmos. So on that fateful Friday, Holly did what even the most well equipped PR team could not do. She wrote a simple handwritten note.
Holly’s “Darling Fred”
Nothing but a pen and paper did the trick so effortlessly (sorry Email, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, you aren’t needed here). She went from “that awkward, crazy girl from last night” to “that thoughtful, sophisticated lady I’m meeting tonight”. Thus we ask this question: why has society turned its back on the rich, personal, and authentic tradition of a handwritten note? During its height in the 18th through 20th centuries, there was a strict etiquette to calling cards. Size, style, salutations, engravings, initialing, and turning the proper corner could all leave one in great social fluster. But in many ways, society went from a ridiculous set of nuances: i.e. turning the left hand lower corner for a condolence message, to an even greater one: i.e. dude FML where R U.
Etiquette will always mean different things to different people, and you will never make everyone happy. However, there is still something truly magical about a sincere hand written message. Be careful how and when you use it. But always take pride in your personal penmanship, as art will always out live technology.
Below is a curated guide to the finest stationery in the land. While similar on the surface, each craftsman offers a flair perfect for its intended scribe.
Benneton Graveur
History: Founded in 1880 by Emile Benneton in Paris
Distinction: Brushed stamping, colored edges, certified envelopes
Price: Approximately €60 for 10 notecards with envelopes
http://shop.bennetongraveur.com
Benneton Graveur
Bernard Maisner
History: Founded in 2000 by Bernard Maisner
Distinction: Internationally renowned master calligrapher; Instantly recognizable
Price: Approximately $30 to $40 per card with envelope
http://bernardmaisner.com
Bernard Maisner at Bergdorf Goodman
Bernard Maisner at Bergdorf Goodman
CONNOR
History: Founded in 2011 by Justin Felber and Henri-Werner
Distinction: Named for renowned 19th stationer John Connors
Price: Approximately $95 for 12 notecards with envelope
http://www.connornyc.com
Dempsey & Carroll
History: Founded in 1879 by John Dempsey and George Carroll in New York City
Distinction: Authority on proper etiquette
Price: Approximately $60 for 10 notecards with envelopes
http://www.dempseyandcarroll.com
Dempsey Carroll Stationary
Pettinaroli
History: Founded in 1881 by by Francesco Pettinaroli in Milan
Distinction: Notecards made from Amalfi paper and dried flowers
Price: Approximately €12.50 per card with envelope
http://www.fpettinaroli.it/index.htm
F. Pettinaroli
Mrs. John L. Strong
History: Founded in 1929 by Flora Strong in New York
Distinction: Employs old world techniques resulting in hours of craftsmanship per piece
Price: Approximately $90 for 12 notecards with envelopes
http://www.mrsstrong.com
Pineider
History: Founded in 1774 by Mr. Francesco Pineider in Florence
Distinction: Clientele includes Eleonora Duse, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Luigi Pirandello, Maria Callas, Liz Taylor, Henry Ford, Marlene Dietrich, Rudolf Nureyev, Luchino Visconti
Price: Approximately € 65 for 25 cards with envelopes
http://www.pineider.com/en/
Pineider
Prantl 1797
History: Founded in 1797 by Master Printer Franz Anton Prantl in Munich
Distinction: Europe’s oldest bespoke printer of luxury stationery
Price: Approximately € 150 for 50 notecards with envelopes
http://www.prantl.com
Smythson of Bond Street
History: Founded in 1887 by Frank Smythson in London
Distinction: Holder of three Royal Warrants; Produced stationery for Maharajas of India during the 1920s and 30s
Price: Approximately $45 for 10 notecards with envelopes
http://www.smythson.com
Smythson
The Wren Press
History: Founded in 1985 in London (New York Showroom)
Distinction: Clientele includes Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles of Wales
Price: Approximately £25 for 10 cards with envelopes
http://wrenpress.co.uk
Nota Bene: Perhaps notably missing from the list is Tiffany’s and, even more so, Cartier. Both brands employ Crane Company to produce a majority of their stationery.
Very truly yours,
By Meg Gallagher
