In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, host Auntie Kiki (Kiki Astor) takes listeners on a fascinating deep dive into the history, sociology, and etiquette of the monogram. Far from just a preppy aesthetic, monograms are one of the world's oldest status symbols, evolving from ancient Mesopotamian cylinder seals and medieval maker's marks to Victorian household necessities and modern luxury logos. Auntie Kiki answers awkward listener questions about monogramming blended names, navigating overbearing mothers-in-law, and styling thrifted finds. She also provides practical rules for gifting, sizing, and placing monograms, as well as tasteful alternatives for those who prefer a modern or subtle approach to personalizing their items. Show Notes Podcast: Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners Host: Kiki Astor ("Auntie Kiki") Episode Highlights: [Sponsor Message] A preview of Kiki Astor's newest book, Midnight Blue, a thrilling tale of a scandalous perfume dynasty, an ancient curse, and a potent ingredient called blue oud. Available now on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, and audiobook). Listener Q&A: Awkward Monogram Situations The 5-Initial Dilemma: How to edit down a long name (Hint: Less is more. Pick three). Towel Placement Wars: Settling the debate between top-center and lower-right placements. Underwear & Veils: The etiquette of monogramming intimates, and how to handle a mother-in-law who secretly monograms your wedding veil. Thrifted Jackets & Exes: Creative ways to cover up old initials using patches or motifs. Blended Families & Same-Sex Couples: How to gracefully combine names, alternate initials, or create a unified "house monogram." The History & Sociology of the Monogram 3500 BCE: Mesopotamian cylinder seals used to authenticate transactions. Medieval Era: Maker's marks used by stonemasons and metalworkers for quality control and payment. 15th Century: Albrecht Dürer uses his initials to protect his artistic brand. 19th Century: The rise of domestic monogramming during the Industrial Revolution to prevent theft at the laundry. 1896: Louis Vuitton creates the LV repeating pattern to prevent counterfeiting, inadvertently creating the modern public status logo. A Diagnostic Toolkit for Reading Monograms How to read the status and intent of a monogram based on its scale (tiny vs. oversized), placement (inside lining vs. exterior), and method (vinyl sticker vs. hand-engraved silver). The Golden Rules of Monogram Etiquette How to correctly gift a monogrammed item (always double-check preferred names!). Matching the permanence of the monogram to the object (e.g., vinyl for water bottles, satin stitch for heirloom linens). Color choices: Why tone-on-tone is the ultimate subtle flex for adults, while high-contrast is best for children and sports gear. Tasteful Alternatives to Initials Using sigils, motifs (like a tiny fox or compass), signature color piping, or removable leather tags to establish an identity without letters. Announcements & Events: Book Signing: Join Kiki on July 25, 2026, in Summerland, California, for the Midnight Blue book signing. Perfume Sweepstakes: Leave a review of Midnight Blue on Amazon or Goodreads and submit proof to be entered to win a large bottle and samples of Ormonde Jayne's "Midnight Oud" perfume. Drawing takes place on July 25, 2026. Join the Guest List: Sign up on Kiki's website for exclusive weekly emails, bonus content, and event invitations. (If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!)

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related