While the bliss of summer is undebated, the difficulties of keeping your locks in line are a universal challenge when that dangerous devil of the warmer months, humidity, arrives. With the addition of pool, sea, and sweat, these elements of moisture combine to humble the very best of us. Instead of constantly washing, drying, ironing, and curling, why not wrap your hair up in a chic silk printed scarf after your next seaside dip? The natural fibers of the silk will help increase your shine and reduce your frizz, while you’ll get more time to spend by the pool with a spritz! Oh and who was that guy who just sauntered by the bar? See what you’re missing stuck in the bathroom primping away!
While the silk scarf has a long and winding history, it is best known today in its printed form and for that we have Hermès to thank. The Hermès printed carré was first created in 1937 and today the brand boasts a collection of over 2000 designs produced in various colorways, each of which are hand screen-printed, layer by layer. Among my selection there are also stunning pieces from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and a very special scarf from the archive of the prolific fabric designer Alexandre Sache who created Schiaparelli’s Dali-inspired lobster print.
As always happy [vintage] shopping!
Jenny Walton
Hermès Alliances du Monde Silk Scarf
I typically choose the scarf I wear based on its background color, as that is primarily what will be seen when I’m wearing it. I love how the coral rings pop against the soft blue background on this “Alliances du Monde” Hermès scarf first designed by Annie Faivre in 2004. It would look stunning worn by the beach as a headpiece or top and styled with a pleated white skirt and sandals.
Hermès Qu’importe le Flacon Silk Scarf
Meaning “no matter the bottle,” the Qu’importe le Flacon silk scarf by Hermès was first designed by artist Catherine Boschet in 1988. The combination of these marvelous vintage and antique perfume bottles plus the charming tonality of the periwinkle blues make this scarf a standout. I would personally wear with a cute periwinkle bikini by the pool or fashioned into a top and paired with jeans.
Hermès Fleurs de Lotus Silk Scarf
Vivacity of color is something that few materials can truly hold the way that silk can and the Fleurs de Lotus scarf by Hermès (designed by Christiane Vauzelles) is a stunning example of this. Rising from the murky and muddy waters, lotus flowers are often used as a symbol of purity and rebirth, making this the perfect gift for a plethora of happy occasions (like breaking up with that horrible boyfriend…for example).
Hermès Feux du Ciel Silk Scarf
Reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” I’ve always admired the beauty of the “Feux du Ciel” (fires of the sky) scarf by Hermès. I absolutely adore the tonal combination of pinks and oranges but an equally evocative green colorway is available here.
Hermès Peinture Fraiche Silk Scarf
Gray and pink is another highly underrated yet versatile color combination, and I especially admire the mauve undertone of this warm gray. The eye-catching “Peinture fraiche” (fresh paint) design makes this piece a standout—an equally fantastic blue iteration id available here.
Hermès Kelly en Perles Silk Scarf
The trompe l’oeil effect of the printed beads on this “Kelly en Perles” scarf make this one of my favorite Hermès designs. A wonderfully versatile size, I would wear it as a headscarf with an ivory linen summer dress from Jacquemus. A fabulous blue and red version can be found here.
Hermès Colored Pencil Silk Scarf
The perfect gift for someone artistic in your life! (As an artist I just might be purchasing this one for myself.) The light blue tone would look great tied as a top and worn with your favorite pair of faded jeans and some cute sandals.
Chanel Purple Silk Scarf
Featuring hand-rolled edges, this Chanel floral printed silk scarf in the most stunning shade of vivid purple is every bit as royal as the history of the color itself. It would look just perfect worn as a bandana and paired with a crisp summer white top and jeans or a white flowing skirt.
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Scarf
Yves Saint Laurent gave out love cards to mark the occasion of each New Year and this was 1985’s version which somehow looks just as modern as it did when it was first created almost 40 years ago. It would also look great framed and stuck on the wall (in my humble opinion!)
Carven Silk Scarf
A charming trompe l’oeil design from the house of Carven. Why not imitate a necklace and drape it around your neck (less expensive than real pearls), or even better yet drape it across your back for the illusion of a stunning draped back detail. Either way it must absolutely be paired with a red lip.
Yves Saint Laurent Dove Silk Scarf
Circa 1980s, I love this enchanting dove printed silk scarf from YSL. There’s an element reminiscent of Matisse’s cut-outs in that gorgeous Yves Klein blue of the background. A subtler navy version is available here.
Chanel Pearls Silk Scarf
The soft shading on these oversized printed pearls make this vintage Chanel scarf hard to look away from—and isn’t that exactly what you want from face-framing accessory?
Cartier Le Must de Cartier Silk Scarf
A rich vintage scarf from none other than Cartier featuring a dazzling display of its beautiful jewels. The next best thing to wrap around your crown if a diamond encrusted Cartier tiara is still just slightly out of budget.
Hermès Twilly Bandana Silk Scarf
I think Twilly scarves can sometimes be a bit small as a headscarf (unless you have a chic 1920s-inspired chop à la Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby, in which case I think it would look proportionally perfect). I like the genial spirit of the traditionally rugged cotton bandana print on a classic silk Hermès piece.
Toteme Silk Striped Silk Scarf
A simple striped scarf of a manageable size such as the wonderful ones that Toteme continuously produces are an easy and chic staple to anyone’s wardrobe, not to mention that this shape doubles as a fantastic belt.
Hermès Cheval de Légende Silk Scarf
First issued in 2010 and designed by Benoît-Pierre Emery, this Hermès scarf in an alluring shade of rusted orange features a studded horse mid-stride as if it was caught amongst the stars. I love a design that looks abstract when folded up but laid out reveals itself to be something extraordinary.
Jacqmar of London Silk Scarf
A great 1960s silk scarf from the infamous Jacqmar of London. Founded by a British “Jack and Mary,” “Jacqmar” combined their names with the intent of sounding vaguely French. But you can tell people it’s a numbered Picasso Harlequin, and I won’t tell a single soul.
Jacques Griffe 1960s Cats Silk Scarf
A wonderfully charming vintage silk scarf signed by the famous French graphic artist Bernard Villemont for Jacques Griffe. Originally from the 1950s/1960s, this scarf is actually quite historical and as the listing mentions, and comes from the archives of Alexandre Sache’s silk factory Beauclère. Alexandre Sache was a prolific fabric designer who worked with everyone from Givenchy to Dior to Chanel and even created the iconic lobster print of Schiaparelli’s infamous Dali-inspired dress.
Christian Dior Silk Scarf
This iconic silk scarf from Christian Dior features an original illustration by René Gruau, one of the best fashion illustrators of all time and a frequent collaborator with the house of Dior. A very rare piece that is guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd.
Prada Italian Scenes Printed Silk Scarf
Chicer and more versatile than a postcard, what a wonderful way to remember a trip to Italy. This Prada silk scarf features various Italian scenes illustrated in a beautifully elusive hand. Featuring prints originally from spring 2004, this scarf is a timeless Prada piece.
Chanel Silk Scarf
Semi sheer silk gauze brings an unrivaled elegance to this beautiful floral printed Chanel scarf. Although I dislike the way they styled it on the mannequin, it has the potential to look beautiful folded diagonally and draped across one’s back (and it seems large enough to be fashioned into a chic summer top too).
Hermès X-Ray Silk Scarf
Nothing would bring me quite as much joy as to carry this Hermès Xray Kelly scarf through airport security. I’m really in love with the black and white colorway as it’s a bit more jarring and true to form, so keep your eyes and wallets peeled.
Hermès La Rosee Silk Scarf
A soft and beautiful sprinkling of orange roses and raindrops decorate this Hermès “La Rosee” silk carré by Anne Gavarni. First introduced to the world in 1960, I could imagine this scarf looking otherworldly fashioned into a headpiece and worn with a little summer dress and a spritz in your hand (to match the scarf, of course).
Prada Car Print Silk Scarf
I just purchased a printed pair of yellow pants from this same collection (spring 2012). It’s a wonderful collection from Prada and perfect for your impending Route 66 road trip! Just make sure the vintage convertible you rent is baby blue.
June
While on a work trip to Vienna last month I visited the fabulous Albertina museum to see the Roy Lichtenstein Centennial exhibition (on view until July 14, 2024). I was so inspired by the exhibition that all I’ve wanted to wear ever since has been my vintage Screen Stars/Flying Fish Lichtenstein tee, purchased online last year. Little did I know that posting a photo of myself to Instagram wearing it would cause the kerfuffle it did! The graphic on the tee displays a distraught woman holding her head in her hand as the text bubble above her reads, “I can’t believe it, I forgot to have children!” Most people ran to my DMs to enquire as to the origins of the tee whilst proclaiming, “I NEED that shirt!” (And FYI if you are one of those people, I found another one and it’s linked in this article.)
Read the full article here
