The art of maximizing an Hermès scarf

Here’s how not to feel guilty about a luxurious purchase — learn the art of maximizing it. With an Hermès scarf, it’s not a problem at all. The house even has knotting cards with diagrams and steps on how to wear it.

There are more ways than one to wear a scarf. You will be pleasantly surprised that you can even use it as a bag or wear it as a top!

Today’s conscious and responsible consumer will definitely feel guilt-free. This fashion accessory can be recycled and reused in multiple glam ways.

High-End Wardrobe Staple

It has been 74 years since it was first introduced and still women all over the world continue to covet an Hermès scarf. Today, it has even become a high-end staple.

It takes up to two years to complete a scarf from its design concept to production. Skilled artisans specialize in a specific step to produce each scarf. Each Hermès scarf has an average of at least five colors. At most, over 42 silkscreens are applied to only the best fabric to create every design detail of the scarf. The final step, called roule, takes approximately 45 minutes where the hems are hand-rolled and hand-stitched. That’s how much work goes into making one.

Each scarf tells a story. From the book, Hermès Scarf: History & Mystique by Nadine Coleno, artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas wrote in his introduction, the Hermès scarf is “a landmark in the history of style,” one where “every detail counts, every color has a name and every scarf has a meaning.” Aside from the design, a further attraction is the story behind each scarf.

Designs range from themes including equestrian, usually associated with the brand, to French and world history, the natural world, the military, mythology and geography, among others. Every carrè (literally translated, silk square) has a name and a design title. Many are commemorative.

Hermès generally comes out with 12 designs twice a year for spring/summer and fall/winter. Six are usually new designs while the rest are reissues in new colors and interpretations.

This season, there are gorgeous designs to fancy. The “Fluers d’Indiennes,” waves of gigantic and vibrant flowers inspired by the cotton fabrics brought from India at the end of the 16th century designed by Aline Honoré, is a burst of joy. Then there’s, Ezequiel Vicente José’s “Din Tini,” “The Encounter of Man and Nature.” It refers to the embroidery of the Tenango de Doria, populated with fabled animals and unexpected characters discovered in the museum of the Popular art in Mexico. This vibrant design also carries a dream of this village, hidden in a “mist forest” that shelters fascinating flora and fauna, a world of mystery and poetry. A winged horse framed with the text, “Le Pegase d’Hermes” by Christian Renonciat, homage to Leonardo Da Vinci and the dream of rebuilding the world, is a must-have. “The Horse of Hermès is a mechanical construction. The Way of the Winged Horse is also that of the artisan: His craftsmanship embodies the wise balance of the material and spirit in this delicate harmony, which also turns man, after a fashion, into a demi-god.”

Playtime-Maxtime

It’s playtime with your Hermès scarf. Maximize your luxurious purchase and have fun with it at the same time. Learn how to play with it and transform it into a necklace, a bag, a hair accessory, a shrug and even a dress! Once you’ve mastered the art of maximizing it, it will be one fashion detail you cannot live without.

Start with the basic fold, the Pli de Base. Fold the scarf corner to corner. Then, overlap four times. From this, you can use it in various ways.

Add a buckle at the center and it becomes a belt — Ceinture Anneau. Insert one end on each side of the buckle. Pull in opposite directions and knot as desired.

Knot as many times as you want and clasp on your neck and it becomes a necklace — Collier.

Wrap it around your head and braid together with your hair and you have a hair accessory — Bandeau Tresse.

Other cards will also show you how to create a shrug, different tops, headdress options, and assorted bags. You can even tie it around the handles of your bag as a strap or an added detail.

Extend your wardrobe with accessory essentials. Added details can instantly transform your look from day to night. These details also define your personality and style. It is an expression of your individuality. Have fun playing with your new wardrobe staple — the scarf.

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In the Philippines, Hermès is exclusively acvailable at its shop in Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati.

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