DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION OF FLOWER POWER AND PINS
Description: ‘An affordable token, a flower shaped symbol of flower power constructed of molded steel and enamel paint that represents the socio-political mood of the mid 1960s to 1970s.’
In fact, there is such an abundance of mass produced pins that their identity remains a mystery even to this day. Specifically, there are no identifying marks, no designer names, no known countries of origin, or anything to distinguish or identify them.
Actually, the definition of flower power itself is almost as undocumented as the origin of the flower power pins themselves. In fact this post can do little more than gather up descriptions and anecdotes of flower power and pins.
Flower Power image above and quote to the right and below from the article in 1-800flowers.com ‘petal talk®’ written by Michelle Yastremsky
The Background “Coined in 1965 by acclaimed poet and voice of his generation Allen Ginsberg, ‘flower power’ was used to inspire a movement in which anti-war demonstrators focused on positive values such as peace and love to instead of brute force and rebellion in order to ‘fight’ for freedom.”
The Concept ‘The concept first comes into being while Ginsberg helps organize a protest against the Vietnam War in Berkeley, California.’
Ginsberg Essay ‘In his essay “Demonstration or Spectacle as Example, As Communication,” Ginsberg describes a tactic using peace as a “weapon.” He suggests “masses of flowers – a visual spectacle – especially concentrated on the front lines.”
He continues, “…marchers should bring harmonicas, flutes, recorders, guitars, banjos, and violins.” The Beatnik poet goes on to invite all previously persecuted groups to join the revolution, turning the phrase into a movement of peace, hope, unity, and above all – imagination.’
Allen Ginsberg Beatnik Poet and coiner of the term “flower power” from bluerailroad.wordpress
The History of Flower Power by Michelle Yastremsky
“The ‘Flower’ in flower power
Quoting from Michelle Yastremsky “The hippies of the 1960s and 1970s take Ginsberg’s message of peaceful protesting and incorporate it into their fashions and culture. Both men and women wear flowers from on their clothing to in their hair.
“Flowers in their hair range from floral head wreaths to slipping a single a dandelion into their groovy headbands (a trend that has resurfaced in fashion today). Bright, floral prints become extremely popular as do floral inspired patches.
“Some hippies even paint the flower symbol on their faces to show their support and dedication to the cause. With its natural and simplistic beauty, it’s not surprising that the flower becomes the ultimate symbol of peace and love for this counterculture and era!”
How Flower Power Worked PREV NEXT By: Cristen Conger
“Although Ginsberg’s essay doesn’t use the exact phrase “flower power,” he was the first to expound on the potency of flowers as “a visual spectacle” to simultaneously disarm opponents and influence thought.”
Vintage Jewelry Design ‘Classics to Collect and Wear by Caroline Cox
Vintage Jewel Design, Classics to collect and wear Vintage jewelry design classics to collect and wear by Caroline Cox published by Lark Jewelry & Beading, pg.139[/caption]
LarkCrafts.com
An Imprint of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
387 Park Avenue South, NYC, NY 10016
Polka Dot Flower Brooch Pin Purple White Enamel Long Stem Floral Vintage on ebay
‘Flower Power Pins: The 1960s-1970s’ is the ongoing mystery of the flower power pin. In order to get a clue to this mystery, it is necessary to learn about collectible vintage jewelry before, during, and after the existence these pins themselves.
In addition this collection of articles chronicles my journey that leads to them, the pins themselves, and the course I take in search of them. Actually, it is the course I am still on to this day.
My Journey
At first, I do not start out attempting to solve this mystery. In fact, I do not even know there was an unsolved situation compared to other costume jewelry of that time, the 1960s into the 1970s. As I dig deeper the mystery becomes even darker. This is because the more I look for identification and verification, the less I find. Therefore, the more questions I have.
The Anonymous Pins In fact, I can find nothing in writing that identifies these beauties. For example, what is their place of origin? where they are manufactured? who designed them? Is this information purposely hidden or is it just a coincidence? Is it possible that these answers do not have significance when they are made and it is only now that these questions tug at me to know these answers?
Invitation So, without further ado here is the path I take, where is starts, where it leads me, and where I am now. Be forewarned that it is not a straight line. And it is not even complete. But this is where solving the mystery is today. It by no means is complete yet. So join me on my journey to solving the flower power mystery.
On 1st dibs.com a Butler and Wilson Gripoix Brooch
I swoon over my favorite collectible treasures. In fact, sometimes I even get heart palpitations or break out into a cold sweat when I see them.
All my favorite collectible treasures are featured on line. Sometimes due to their cost and lack of availability, they can only become mine in my dreams.
IN MY DREAMS Then I have to be content with including them in online stories like this one with photos of them. On occasion, I can purchase one or save up to get one as a special treat.
Specifically the vintage collectibles I treasure most are accessories, namely handbags and jewelry. Some have been affordable and assessable. Some are not. Here are examples of both.
HANDBAGS
Coach, Dooney & Bourke My love of handbags started decades ago with Coach as well as Dooney & Bourke. They were all new when I started to buy them. But over time I discovered collecting, in other words, vintage. Infact, my taste runs towards the vintage rather than the new.
Lucite Beehive Then I travel further backwards to discover the vintage handbag(s) I am wild about today. Probably one of the most extraordinary handbags I have ever seen is a lucite handbag called beehive.
A closeup of metal bees to left. Handbag itself below closed and open. The bees are made out of metal. Considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of Lucite bags.
Furla Thermoplastic The composition of these outrageous bags is thermoplastic or rubber. In fact, there are two incarnations of these unique and totally desirable handbags. The 1970s reveals the first delicious version as the jelly bags. Then the second reveal is the candy re•bag at the Milan Fashion Week in 2022. Furla Re•candy exhibit at the 2022 Milan Fashion Week featured in a Town & Country article, photo courtesy of Furla.
Judith Leiber Bags These handbags are really kookie and ultimately are meant to be talked about evening bags. As much as their sticker price on it own is topic for conversation, their themes are as well. For example, this donut shaped sparkle clutch can’t hold more than a house key, handkerchief, and the proverbial ‘dime for a phone call’ goes for just under $1,000 second hand. Notice that there’s no room for a cell phone. But I am sure anyone would lend its wearer their cell phone if necessary. 21st Century Judith Leiber Donut with Rainbow Sprinkles Clutch on 1st dibs.com
JEWELRY
Flower Power Pins 1960s Flower Power Pink Yellow Polka Dot Brooch Enameled VintageI was collecting flower power pins before I really even know what they are and represent. The one pictured here is one of my favorites. It is even better looking in person.
Lenora Dame Studio A brooch from the early days of the Lenora Dame StudioIn the early days of the establishment of her studio, the Lenora Dame brooches looked like derivatives of flower power pins. In fact, as jewelry rather than socio-political statements, they are quite beautiful.
To the left is an example of one of her early brooches. Notice that there are three layers that alone are in the style of a flower power pin. Then for an added touch of that genre is a flower power pin in the center.
Stanley Hagler N.Y.C. Gorgeous Vibrant Glass Bead Flowers Vintage Pin Brooch This is one of my favorite collectible treasures that will remain a dream. At $499. All I can do is enjoy the pictures and history of this magnificent pin.
Notice the derivative of the flower power pin with two glass bead flowers and lots of additional glass decoration. For more information about Stanley Hagler N.Y.C., click on the link.
CONCLUSION
Whether you dream about vintage collectible treasures or collect them yourself, I hope you will find these favorites of mine as much of a pleasure as I do.
Lenore Dame Metal Flower Brooch in Gold & Violet – One-of-a-Kind Jewelry but not a flower power pin due to the embellishments of gold and stones in the center of it.
This magnificent brooch from around the time of Flower Power Jewelry is Not A Flower Power Pin.
The reason is that it has gold filigree, decorative stones and is a one of a kind piece. So it is derivative of this jewelry not a flower power pin.
Decorative Vintage Pin This is a vintage upscale design inspired by the very popular actual flower power pin from around the 1960s. But it is a piece of jewelry from The Lenore Dame Studio using some of the basic FPP elements but for profit and decoration rather than a socio-political statement.
What is a Flower Power Pin The official description of a flower power pin (or FPP for short) is that it has a daisy pattern made from “molded steel and colored with enamel paint” exclusively. So anything else would not be an official FPP even if it looks similar to it. In fact a major distinction is that a FPP never has a designers identity and is not one-of-a-kind. Here are some examples.
These four Flower-Power-Brooches differ in daisy colors and number of petal layers only. The stem is not a distraction from their design. They have all but only the elements to qualify them as flower power pins.
What is Not a Flower Power Pin A daisy design pattern that has more than just molded steel and sprayed enamel is not official FPP although many are categorized as such today. If a piece has a matching pair of earring, its status is also questionable. Lastly, if a piece has a designer name on it, it can not be FPP. It is jewelry and its purpose is decorative. Here are some additional examples.
There are similarities between the two groups of pins. But the second group is derivative of the first. The style attempts to be similar. But that is as far as it goes. There are gemstones, gold veneer, signed by the designer, and are much more costly than flower power pins.
Why Is the Distinction So Important?
As explained in the previous blog post, The Flower Power Mystery, flower power pins are more important socially than artistically. This is not to say that they are not adorable, colorful, and collectible. But at the height of their existence, they are making a socio-political statement rather than being just decorative.
A Second Thought on Anonymity The fact that the flower power pins had no identifying marks and that nothing is written about their origin may have a very simple explanation. Companies may not have minded manufacturing them. But perhaps they did not want the public to know what their socio-political positions were. To avoid that, they remained anonymous in every way they could.
Flower Power by Definition Actually the term ‘flower power’ was coined by beatnik poet Allen Ginsberg, to symbolize peace, love, and non-violence. Keep in mind that their popularity is during the Vietnam War era. Therefore a FPP represents the anti-Vietnam War sentiment that many young people of that time feel. Instead of being just a pretty piece of jewelry, an official FPP makes a socio-political statement that is recognizable even today.
