The most popular and iconic Hermès scarf designs are the Cosmos which is very exclusive and is currently not available on Hermès’ website, and Brides De Gala which is a Hugo Grygkar creation. It is “One of Hermes’ most iconic scarves, this design has been reinvented endlessly since its creation in 1957,” according to the Hermes website.
If you grew up in the 90s, most people were introduced to the iconic Hermès scarf through the show “The Devil Wears Prada.” The artistry and beautiful colors of the scarves can’t even be translated through an image, and I highly recommend going to an Hermès store and feeling how luxurious it is for yourself. Each scarf is a testament to Hermès’ dedication to quality and artistry, often serving as a canvas for artists to display vibrant and intricate designs that capture the imagination.
But really, Hermès scarves have been a staple of luxury wardrobes since the company started making them in 1937. I wanted to do a deep dive on why Hermès scarves are still considered a staple and explore the most popular designs.
What Are The Most Popular Hermès Scarves?
The beauty of the Hermès scarf is that one can choose from so many designs. There is a design for anyone from minimalists to those who want a statement piece. That said, the designs that have been reprinted most often include Cosmos and Brides de Gala.
Why Is The Brides De Gala Scarf So Popular?
Created by Hugo Grygkar in 1957, the Brides De Gala scarf has had numerous interpretations. The original design has two ceremonial bridles facing each other and is beautifully decorated to embody the elegance Hermès for over six decades.
The fact that the scarf was designed by Hugo Grygkar also adds value to the design because he designed the very first Hermès Carre scarf, and was the primary designer for the fashion house, Hermès’ most prolific artist. He never signed his work, however they were so beautiful that many of his scarf designs are heavily coveted today.
You can find a Brides De Gala Hermès Scarf on their website to pick one up yourself today. This particular scarf is the first one printed on both sides so it will look good anyway you decide to wear it.
Why Is The Cosmos Scarf So Popular?
The Cosmos scarf is an example of exclusivity of luxury brands that Hermès embodies so well. It is unfortunately not available for sale on the companies website, and only available through resale which adds to the value of all of Hermès scarves as Hermès may decide to stop actively selling certain scarf designs at any point in time making them a collectable.
Other Popular Hermès Scarf Designs
Designer Julia Abadie created the Cliquetis in 1972. It is a fan-shaped design incorporating traditional equestrian hardware in visually appealing patterns that complement any outfit regardless of how they are tied. This design blew up, and much to my dismay, it is one of the most knocked-off Hermès design, so I never know if a vintage Hermès is real just by looking online.
A scarf depicting the Greek Revolution of 1821 is another popular design, but this one is considered rare, and it once fetched over $1,400 at an auction. Hermès also releases animal prints, most notably cheetahs and other big cats which I find to be a good way to incorporate some animal print into my life without committing to a dress or a shoe.
Even the Queen loved the Hermès scarves in her wardrobe and was seen wearing them frequently.
Popular Hermès Scarf Designers
Julia Abadie is one of the more popular contributing designers. Her Cliquetis design may be one of the most copied, but she has contributed multiple styles to the Hermès collection. In 1969, she designed the Couronnes scarf, which I find to be an elegant nod to aristocracy, and it creates visual interest in any outfit no matter how it’s styled.
Other notable designers include Kermit Oliver and Annie Faivre. Oliver is an American whose designs nod to the American west. Faivre’s designs are more simplistic in nature, with geometric patterns and hard lines.
Collectable Designs
If you’re a fan of line drawing, like I am, you may be interested in the designs by Xavier de Poret. His scarves are among the rarest in the Hermès library. I am particularly inspired by the Les Poulains design, which depicts horses living their best lives. Each horse is created in detail, and this design is a wearable work of art.
Any first-issue or vintage Hermès scarves are also collectible and harder to find. If I wanted one, I would hit up an estate sale or reputable auction house.
Why Did the Hermès Scarf Become Popular? A Brief History
I learned that the Hermès scarf was made of imported Chinese silk in its early days and was woven to be stronger than other silk scarves on the market. Its original design was based on a wood block, and current models are known for their bold, whimsical patterns and bright colors.
I love that the scarf is a timeless accessory that could do double duty if needed. According to Sotheby’s, “Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, for example, used her Hermès scarf as a chic sling when she injured her arm in 1957.”
Hermès started out making harnesses for horses. I have ridden horses, and their harnesses need to be durable, flexible, and easy to maneuver, which is how Hermès made them.
The company didn’t move into fashion until the 1920s, when they added leather goods to their harnesses and saddles. I understand that Emile Hermès, who was running the company during this interwar period, patented the modern zipper, and for that I am thankful. But I digress.
I think buying an Hermès scarf puts you in good company with some of fashion’s most notable people like Princess Grace, Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and Audrey Hepburn. These scarves are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, but they offer the same shape and durability. Each scarf is still individually screen printed, and I appreciate this attention to artistry.
First Hermès Scarf Design
Hermès’ first scarf was designed based on a wood block drawing by family member Robert Dumas. It was hand silkscreened and stitched on its hems. The original scarf was Hermès’ iconic square shape, and it featured a circular pattern with a group of ladies sitting at the table in the middle and stagecoaches surrounding them in two outer rings. Now nearly 100 years old, this vintage design would look at home in the modern era as it did in the mid 20th century.
Up to this day Hermès scarves are still hand printed and it’s this value for artistry and handcrafting their scarves that people all around the world love.
Vintage Designs
From its origins, the Hermès scarf boomed in popularity when sophisticated Parisienne women decided to wear them everywhere. Early designs paid homage to the company’s equestrian roots, and featured multiple patterns showcasing horses. If you notice the loading screen on Hermès’ website, where a horse is either galloping away or jumping I think modern-day horse girls would love these vintage scarves. Although early scarves came in patterns using 27 colors, they were more limited than their modern counterparts.
Like other fashions, Hermès scarves evolved with trends, including some bright, psychedelic patterns in the late 1950s and early 1960s and minimalistic designs in the late 1960s and 1970s. One of my favorites is the Fleurs de Lotus designed by Christiane Vauzelle in 1970. Whatever the design, most vintage Hermès scarves are intricate with symmetrical designs that make the scarf look good no matter how you tie it.
Exclusivity of the Designs
Like the coveted Hermès Birkin bag, not all scarves are created equal. Some patterns were produced in lower quantities than others, so they are considered more exclusive. Hermès hires artists to hand-paint each design, so having one is like owning an original piece of art regardless of which style I want to add to my wardrobe.
Hermès has over 2,500 designs, making each one a rare find, but the older ones tend to fetch more on the market. Le Bois de Bolougne was a 1957 design by Hugo Grygkar. In its original run, the scarf was made with lighter colors. Reprints are usually darker, making the limited batch from the late 1950s more exclusive.
References:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/be-smart/hermes-scarves-its-hip-to-be-square/
Featured Image by Freepik
