Why everyone wants a Hermès scarf
During many of my working years, I was fortunate to visit major fashion cities like New York multiple times a year, Milan, London and Paris to attend the shows of the leading designers. A celebration and a privilege, as a show by a top designer is pure top entertainment.
It was always hectic days. Locations were often far apart, and it was not uncommon to end up exhausted in your hotel bed late at night without having eaten properly.
Of course, there was always a moment to shop between the shows. Especially with the discounts you received as an editor of an international glossy, it was more than a pleasant activity. Each city had its own favorites back then. Nowadays, with everything available online, the charm and uniqueness of shopping abroad has unfortunately somewhat faded.
High on my list during a visit to Paris was always a visit to one of the Hermès branches. The locations on Rue de Sèvres and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré are still my favorites. I promised myself to choose an iconic Hermès shawl every year.
This has now led to quite a collection. If you were to sew them together, they would easily approach the size of a double bedspread.
Of all my clothing and accessories, these shawls are by far the best investment. Some pieces are over thirty years old, but they never lose their beauty.
What makes this product so special?
The production process of a Hermès shawl is complex and time-consuming; all together it can take up to two years. This explains the price, which ranges from 400 to 1200 euros, with some exclusive or limited edition models priced even higher. (Tip: check second-hand options online for lower prices, but watch out for fakes!)
It starts with a design, where designers create unique patterns. Each piece tells a story, often inspired by mythology, nature, or art. Sometimes the patterns are intricate and detailed, while other pieces have a sleek, minimalist style. There is something for everyone.
Next, the silk – sourced from mulberry moths (cocoons from China) – is spun into yarn and then woven in Lyon, the center of the French silk industry. The quality of this silk is on average twice as heavy as standard silk and is woven in a fine twill weave. This contributes to the durable and shape-retaining structure.
The shawls are then hand-screen printed, with each color applied separately. A shawl with, for example, 27 different colors requires 27 dyeing sessions on different screens. Did you know that there are as many as 75,000 different colors available?
The classic Hermès shawl, also known as carré due to its square size, measures 90 cm by 90 cm.
How do you recognize a real Hermès shawl?
An original Hermès shawl always carries the Hermès logo somewhere. Also, make sure that the accent grave (´) is present above the “e”; without this accent, it is likely a fake.
Care tips
I prefer to take my shawls to the dry cleaner, but if you want to do it yourself:
- Wash with cold water and a mild detergent, specially suitable for silk.
- Never put the shawl in the washing machine to avoid bleeding colors.
- Let the shawl dry flat; do not hang it up to prevent distortion.
- Iron on the lowest temperature while the shawl is still a bit damp.
- Roll the shawl instead of folding it to prevent creases and wrinkles.
Styling tips
An Hermès shawl is multifunctional and offers countless ways to wear it:
- Around your neck (the Hermès website shows various knot techniques).
- As a headband.
- As a belt through the loops of your pants.
- As a headscarf.
- Wrapped around the handle of your bag.
Good luck and enjoy this special symbol of luxury, history, and craftsmanship!
Written by: Peggy, @peggyweijergang
