Hermès 101: Silk Scarves - The Vault (2024)

Craftsmanship Of Hermès Scarves

One of the reasons that Hermès scarves are so highly regarded is the thorough creation process, which stretches over a year per design. Usually, the house releases twelve scarf designs per year. From conceptualization to production, it takes a solid eighteen months to complete a scarf from start to finish. Choosing a color scheme for each scarf is a process in itself, which includes up to twenty seven different colors, and the development lasts for up to six months. When a design has been affirmed, it is screen printed in Hermès’ French atelier. The printers used in production must be engraved according to every new print, which can take over seven hundred hours to implement. The scarf hems, of course, are hand-stitched.

For each collection, Hermès selects different artists to configure each scarf motif uniquely by hand, and the array of styles that have been born out of each individual process is more than impressive. Detailed depictions range from traditional equestrian prints to modern or even fanciful forms, depending on the artisan, and the precise details attest to the inevitable quality of every scarf.

Hermès scarves are produced in an array of shapes and sizes. The classic Square shaped silk scarf comes in 20cm (nano), 40cm (also comes in a pocket square), 70cm (coeur bandana) 90cm (carré), and 140cm (shawl size). The Twilly scarf, which is a long and narrow silhouette with diagonally hemmed ends, comes in these sizes; standard Twilly, Maxi Twilly Slim and Maxi Twilly Cut . Scarves are also produced in Triangle and Losange shapes. The triangle speaks for itself, an elongated three-pointed scarf, available in Giant and standard size. The Losange fit is a lengthened rhombus and can be found in large, medium, and slim sizes, and also comes in a necktie.

A popular detail available in Hermès silk is plissé. This word means that the entire scarf is intricately pleated from end to end, creating a structured texture against the silky fabric. The plissé effect has been applied to all of the shapes and sizes.

A fun benefit to the numerous different shapes and sizes of scarves is the versatility that they lend. Possibilities for styling Hermes scarves are seemingly endless, from using a square to adorn the handle of a Birkin or Kelly, to a losange as a belt or a headband. Bloggers, celebrities, and socialites have been known to get creative when it comes to tying their scarves. One of the longest standing icons of Hermès scarves is the Queen of England herself, usually wearing it as a head covering.

Hermès 101: Silk Scarves - The Vault (2024)

FAQs

Do Hermes silk scarves increase in value? ›

Naturally the older, or more vintage your scarf is, typically the higher the value. For our discussion, the term vintage describes scarves from when Hermes first introduced the carre (1937) to 1998 (20 years before present day). In addition to its age, your scarf's condition plays a big role in determining its value.

What is the most famous Hermes scarf? ›

Brides de Gala

It has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular choice among collectors. The 'Brides de Gala' is one of the most popular Hermes scarves, known for its exquisite design and craftsmanship.

How can you tell how old a Hermes scarf is? ›

There is one definitive way to tell if an Hermes scarf is vintage and that is by checking the artist signature. Every scarf is first a work of art that's signed by the artist. By discovering the signature, you can then research the artists to see when that person's designs were featured on the scarves.

Which is the most sought after Hermes bag? ›

The Ghillies Birkin

One of Hermès's most coveted and hard-to-find designs is the Ghillies, which is distinguished by its decorative trim. Introduced in 2012, the Ghillies was an extension of the haute bijouterie jewellery collection produced in 2011 by Pierre Hardy, artistic director of jewellery at Hermès.

How can you tell if a silk scarf is real? ›

Genuine silk scarves have a soft, smooth, and almost weightless texture that glides effortlessly against the skin. The combination of silk's natural sheen and its ability to reflect light gives these scarves a radiant and lustrous appearance. Another defining characteristic of real silk scarves is their breathability.

Should I remove the tag from my Hermes scarf? ›

If the tag is bothersome or visible when you wear it, it is acceptable to remove the tag. If not, feel free to keep the tag on your scarf. Some believe it is akin to having a logo on your luxury item and prefer leaving it on the item.

Why is Hermes scarf so expensive? ›

The production process for any one single scarf can take up to half a year since the average Hermes scarf contains an average of 27 colors. Approximately 750 hours are required to engrave the printing screens, and one printing screen is needed for each individual color.

Who wears Hermes scarves? ›

Made with the finest Chinese silk, the scarves soon caught the eye of Parisian society and became a must-have accessory. Since then, more than 2,000 elaborate, colourful designs have been created, and the scarf has become a wardrobe staple for the likes of our Queen, Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis, and Madonna.

What makes Hermes scarves so special? ›

These designs are created by talented artists and are printed onto the scarves using high-quality printing techniques. Exclusivity: Hermes is a luxury brand, and its products are known for their exclusivity. This makes its scarves highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts around the world.

What is so special about Hermes scarf? ›

Craftsmanship Of Hermès Scarves

One of the reasons that Hermès scarves are so highly regarded is the thorough creation process, which stretches over a year per design.

Do all Hermes scarves have a title? ›

The general rule is that a Hermès scarf should have an artist's signature, a copyright symbol and a title, which is usually lettered in tune with the design. There are exceptions to the title rule...and SOME GENUINE SCARVES SHOW NO TITLE.

Are Hermes scarves made of silk? ›

Since the very first silk square was produced in 1937, Hermès' 90cm x 90cm carré has become an iconic item and a work of art, with more than 1,500 versions created up till now. Brides De Gala by Hugo Grygkar. Famous for its incomparable softness, the silk from which the Hermès carré is made comes from a Brazilian mill.

What kind of silk does Hermès use? ›

- On average, each scarf has 27 distinct colors. The process – because it is hand-silkscreened – can take up to six months to do in completion. - It takes roughly 750 hours alone to engrave the screens for printing (one screen per color). - An Hermes scarf is made from the silk of 250 mulberry moth cocoons.

Are Hermes scarves printed on both sides? ›

Yes, modern Hermès scarves are printed on both sides. However, scarves made before 1937 had a print on just one side.

Do Hermes scarves hold value? ›

Limited-edition scarves often increase in value over time. What's more, the most popular Hermes scarves are sometimes re-released several times, but some designs are only offered one time. These rare creations can increase in price significantly over time.

How much does silk scarf increase? ›

Boosts the power of the holder's Normal-type moves by 20%. It also boosts the holder's confusion damage by 20%.

Which Hermes bag is worth investing? ›

The Birkin and the Mini Kelly bags are made to last – they are hand crafted with high quality materials that are extremely difficult to source. This gives them a long life span, making them the perfect collectable item to only appreciate in value over time, providing you keep it in good condition, of course.

What is so special about Hermes scarves? ›

These designs are created by talented artists and are printed onto the scarves using high-quality printing techniques. Exclusivity: Hermes is a luxury brand, and its products are known for their exclusivity. This makes its scarves highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts around the world.

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