Monogram Mania — 6 Unique Lettering Ideas That are Instant Statement Makers

Years ago, the fabulous Brooke Hortenstine offered me the opportunity to have a monthly column in PaperCity Dallas, and she titled it “Billy Fong Sez …” These provided me the opportunity to get on a soapbox and write about whatever intrigued me at the time.

I thought it would be nice to revisit some of these stories. First up? Everything monograms. It seems timely given the recent feature I did on the incredibly talented Kris Ammon and her brilliant job breathing new life into a vintage Gucci train case I’ve owned for years.

I monogram everything in sight. Perhaps this comes from too many nights staying in my preferred Highland Park bed and breakfast: my dear friend Ann Hobson’s guesthouse. As the quintessential WASP, she has emblazoned “AVH” on every single item imaginable.

I like something more interesting — a conversation starter, if you will — than the traditional three-letter monograms. For my classic L.L. Bean boat and tote bags and such, here are a few of my lettering suggestions:

NERD

I have favored putting this on my totes as well as my Brooks Brothers shirts. When I meet someone new, it often makes them look twice… exactly the purpose.

MISS X

For artsy types who don’t want the world to know their top-collecting names. She travels extensively and wittily pays tribute to the famed woman on John Singer Sargent‘s canvas.

GIN

I love a delicious double entendre. With these three little letters announcing your entrance, I would know you were a girl built for fun. Perhaps you would whip out a crocodile-skin wrapped flask for a nip of Tanqueray, or a pack of Hermès playing cards for a vintage parlor game.

SLIM

An homage to a style icon, Slim Keith. If only there were more Slims and Babe Paleys in the world. We know it’s a bit crass to say “skinny”— so I much prefer that a girl refer to herself as slender, frail or, in the case of a monogram, “SLIM.”

FAG

I like to call a spade a spade. If you are putting your moniker on everything, then in my book you fit this title. Out of all of my monograms, this one always gets questioned the most.

I truly feel like going out and getting a fake ID that says my name is Franklin Gregory Andrews.

THIRD or 3rd

A perfect moniker if your son happens to be the third-generational namesake. Another use could be for your wife status — we all know Dallas is the epicenter of third wives. If you have achieved this level, this monogram serves as a subtle reminder to the other girls at Brook Hollow to keep their husbands in eyesight at all times.