the object of our affection

Buy Yourself Some Flowers

Photo: Courtesy of Comme Si

With the arrival of spring, I’ve made a point to buy myself a bouquet of flowers every week. I was skeptical at first that a small act of self-love could improve my life in any way, but it actually has. Just seeing the flowers in my apartment reminds me to seek beauty and to allow myself even the smallest of reasons to feel joy. And clearly I am not alone in finding inspiration in flowers.

With its “Say It With Flowers” campaign, luxury accessories brand Comme Si is celebrating the beauty of the Asian American experience during a time that has been especially difficult for people of the Asian diaspora. Via Instagram, the brand is sharing meaningful stories from AAPI creatives involved in creating the project along with each campaign image. The collection includes the Flower Tote — a bag that is custom-designed to fit a fresh bouquet of flowers so you can also show them off like a gorgeous accessory.

Founder Jenni Lee wanted to channel her angst about anti-Asian hate into something optimistic that would celebrate unique points of view from a range of Asian Americans. She landed on flowers after conversations with the community. “Flowers are a symbol of rebirth,” said Lee in an Instagram post. “They represent hope, progress, and are a sign of pride, something to show rather than hide. They are a metaphor for the beauty of the Asian American experience — with roots in the East and the West, a nuanced perspective takes shape. This dimensionality lends itself to creativity and empathy.”

Proceeds from this project will be donated to the Asian American Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring greater representation, equity, and opportunities for Asian American artists and cultural organizations through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. Shop the tote here.

Buy Yourself Some Flowers