The Hermes Scarf Explained - All You Need to Know About the Famous Carré

There is an urban myth that every 20 seconds, somebody somewhere in the world buys an Hermès scarf. Whether this is the reality or not, the so-called “carrés” - their square-shaped scarves or foulards, are prestigious and sought-after and have even become collectors’ items. Until today, Hermès has released over 2,000 scarf designs. What many people do not know is that Hermès has collaborated with over 150 artists from all over the world to bring them to life. Let’s explore how this popular product came about. I also share what makes these scarves so special and some hints on how to authenticate them.
00:00 Intro
01:13 Understanding the History of the Hermès Brand - How It All Started
03:48 Émile-Maurice Hermès Introduces Silk Scarves
08:03 The First Carré
09:53 Brand Identity - Packaging & Logo & "Ex Libris"-Carré
12:01 1950s - 1970s
13:42 1980s - 1990s
15:27 The New Millennium and the Emphasis of Hermès Relationship to Art
16:42 What Makes the Scarves Special and Hints to Authenticate Them
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** DISCLAIMER AND SOURCES **
This video is based on the general knowledge of Liz Steiger as a fashion and art historian and the following sources:
Ancient Origins 2023 - www.ancient-origins.net/histo...
Nadine Coleno, Le Carré Hermès, München 2010.
Laia Farran Graves, The Story of the Hermès Scarf, London 2023.
Hermès Official Website - www.hermes.com
Pictures Sources (Including Thumbnail):
Pinterest, Official Website of Hermès (www.hermes.com) and Steiger Private Collection
#fashionhistory #arthistory #fashionhistorian #arthistorian #fashion #hermes #hermesscarf #carre #carrehermes #silkscarf #silk #vintagefashion #vintageglam #fashionexplained #fashionstories #birkin #birkinbag #kellybag #gracekelly #scarfdesign #iconicfashion #icons #paris #parisfashion #parisfashionhistory #faubourgsthonore #fashionstories #fashionblog #fashionblogger

[@justynakissling750]

Thanks for this interesting hostory of Hermes scarf. As an owner of several of these beauties I would like to add the currently produced sizes of silk carré by Hermès are 45x45, 55x55, 70x70, 90x90 and 140x140. Also weight of 90x90 is around 70 gr. I have just returned a contemporary scarf bought at the reseller as it weighted only 53gr. The reseller confirmed it to be a fake.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for sharing this info, this is ver useful. Sorry to hear that one of your purchased was fake but good that the seller took it back.

[@PinkLookbook]

Pinned your comment so people can see the current sizes, thanks!

[@joannathesinger770]

That's VERY helpful information!!!

[@frenchstyle7038]

Thank you for sharing! I am glad you were able to return the scarf. This happened to me once as well. This experience helped me become more vigilant and I am now able to spot a fake very easily. I was also able to return the scarf to the seller and get a refund.

[@sandraankenbrand]

Lovely... I inherited some from grandmother from the 50s over those from my mother in the 70s... bought my first one in the 90s... They are an everyday staple since decades

[@PinkLookbook]

Wow, that is amazing and beautiful that you can still cherish the scarves of your mother and grandmother. I think this is one of their key "success" factors that even after such a long time, they are still classics and can be handed down.

[@sandraankenbrand]

@PinkLookbook or: bc of their success they are always in fashion... just like a Burberry trench

[@PinkLookbook]

True!

[@mizzmolly7649]

I'm a confirmed Hermes scarf addict. I'm up to 40 of the 90 cm. But I'm also going to start buying some of the vintage smaller sizes so I can frame them.

[@PinkLookbook]

Wow, 40! That’s quite a number. Which one is your favourite? I love the idea of framing smaller vintage ones

[@mizzmolly7649]

@@PinkLookbook I have 2 favorites. One is a collaboration Hermes did with Commes de Garcon of the Couvertures et Tenues de Jour scarf which has written in graffiti, "Live Free With Strong Will," and the fundraiser Lettres d'Erevan scarf to commemorate the anniversary of the Armenian genocide. And I'm still trying to collect all of the Kermit Oliver creations. 🧡

[@capricebrown4016]

Thanks so much! I found my first Hermes for $1.25 USD at a thrift shop. The design is plumes. It has a couple of stains an a part of the corner hem is ripped but it’s still beautiful.

[@PinkLookbook]

I love the Plumes! I am currently eyeing on one online 😊

[@PinkLookbook]

I just realised the price: USD 1.25, that's what you call a find :)

[@GraceChen838]

Hello Liz, thank you for educating us and sharing information about the many designs and intricacies of Hermes Scarves. One thing I am scared of buying preloved is Hermes Scarves. I am going to start using these informations and going to the second hand shops to have a look.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for your comment. I understand your reservations. I am also always very careful. I think going to shops will help because it is easier to judge the scarves than online.

[@michelenovack575]

I am an equestrian with a small collection of about 30 scarves, most are very vintage although I do have a few newer ones. I’m doing research for a presentation on the transition of Hermes from a harness maker to world-class purveyor of beautiful scarves that often feature equestrian themes with meticulous attention to detail in the artwork.

[@PinkLookbook]

That sounds really interesting, your vintage scarves must be real treasures. Good luck with your research!

[@ec9101]

Thank you so much, I have 5 Hermes Silk Scarves that I never wear. I feel they are too busy and they never seem to sit right. After watching your video I see that you cannot get it wrong no matter the colour or the pattern. So much work went into the design and I am keen to try again with my scarves.

[@PinkLookbook]

I can totally relate to that, because of the colours and patterns they may feel like a lot. I usually pair them when I wear black, navy or brown tones (sounds boring but works best for me). And after learning more about the processes and the artists, I also started to appreciate the scarves more. I also watched quite a few videos about how to wear them but I mostly end up wearing it like in the video because this is easiest for me and feels like wearing a necklace. There are also the booklets by Hermès about "how to wear your scarf", I always look at them and think they look so cool, but I think I am too clumsy to turn my scarf into a top :D Some people frame the scarves, so maybe you keep that in mind as a backup in case you don't want to wear your scarves ;)

[@leashgang1]

I have had a passion for Hermes scarfs since living in Paris in the 70’s. My favorites are the ones dedicated to the indigenous people of the western hemisphere. You video is really essential to learn the background of the company & its ties to the equestrian world, but I would like to see a video by you about this other sub-category of Hermes scarf design. The designs, in my opinion, are best enjoyed as a framed piece of art than a fashion accessory. Merci beaucoup!

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for your comment. Paris in the 70s - that sounds like a lovely experience. I also really love the designs you mentioned - like the ones by Kermit Oliver. Just to check if I understood your feedback regarding a future video correctly: you would like one covering these designs like the Oliver ones? Not sure if you have seen it but I have published another video about some artists and their designs for Hermès. But I agree, your suggestion is really interesting and I will add it to my list, thank you!

[@mizzmolly7649]

I have 3 of the Kermit Oliver ones, but I'd love all of them!!!

[@ParisianThinker]

Thank you so much for the history of Hermes scarves. I own 6 and my husband has 2. Love them all.

[@PinkLookbook]

I‘m glad you enjoyed it. It’s really lovely that you and your husband share the interest in scarves.

[@FaylenesWorld]

Excellent summary of the history. I learned so much.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for your comment, glad you enjoyed my video!

[@hebepena3220]

Thank you for a very informative and well presented video. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you for your lovely comment, glad you enjoyed my video!

[@madlenyoung2472]

Great video; enjoyed it very much.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you very much, appreciate your feedback and glad you liked it!

[@LesleyAdina]

So glad I stumbled across your channel! Thank you for this super informative video! So insightful, so many facts I wasn’t aware of. You have a new subscriber :)

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you for your lovely comment, glad you enjoyed my video and thanks for subscribing :)

[@keonie]

I just found your channel, it's wonderful, thank you!

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you so much for your kind comment!

[@moonstone1159]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for your feedback, glad you enjoyed it!

[@frenchstyle7038]

Thank you for this very well searched video! I love my silk scarves. My favorite Hermès classic print is 'Les clés'. I own it with the petal pink border. I love that it can look modern and classic at the same time. I also love more contemporary prints but not the ones that are too busy. I think they are favorites for younger women. I own about 10 Hermès scarves but I also love my other vintage designer scarves. The quality of the Hermès silk is definitely higher. This is my favorite accessory. Only one was purchased brand new from the store. The other ones were second hand in perfect or almost perfect condition. If you take great care of them, they can last for years. It makes any boring outfit interesting. Each of them is special and they are all very different which makes them very versatile.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for your comment. I love the “Les clés” too, because it also makes a really nice pattern when you fold it together to tie around the neck. I also compared the Hermès scarves with other brands, mostly from the 90s and early 2000s and noticed that the quality was better. Only one Gucci scarf came close I would say. A Dior one started to lose it’s colour… I agree with you that if you take care of the scarves, they will stay nice for a long time

[@frenchstyle7038]

@@PinkLookbook I own only one Gucci scarf. The iconing Flora which was made famous by Grace Kelly. I searched a long time to find the one with the beige border. I love this scarf. I found it like new for a very good price. I love Salvatore Ferragamo scarves. I own a few. They are very good quality and wash well too. Most of my 26 inches scarves are Ferragamo. I love this size. My other scarves are mostly vintage from French designers.

[@SuperBabyMe]

Thank you for this presentation

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you for your comment, appreciate it!

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you!

[@joannathesinger770]

Lovely history presentation. Yes, I now have two Hermès scarves...and many other designer silk scarves. Scarves and handbags are two of my collectables.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you for your feedback. I totally relate to your preferences for collecting. :) Do you think the other silk scarves come up to the Hermès ones (or have you found even better ones)?

[@joannathesinger770]

@@PinkLookbook That's a difficult question to answer. The newest Hermès scarf is silk twill, which I actually like. It's a bit more rugged than crepe de chine. Many of the assorted scarves are crepe de chine, so they have to be treated more delicately.

[@PinkLookbook]

Agree, crepe de chine is quite delicate and I'm always worried how to take care of them.@@joannathesinger770

[@joannathesinger770]

@@PinkLookbook Silk is very like our hair, so the best thing for washing silk is a good quality shampoo. Even a good baby shampoo would work. Don't wring it out...lay it on towels and press gently to remove excess moisture and then hang/drape over a padded (with a towel) rack to air dry. Use a garment steamer to gently remove wrinkles. Try not to put hard folds or creases into the fabric when storing them. Give them lots of room in their storage containers. I use photo storage boxes.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for the advice. I have used shampoo previously but will try the baby shampoo and also the laying on towels@@joannathesinger770

[@pamfrank3962]

Wonderful commentary

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you for your comment, glad you enjoyed my video!

[@susanharrison2941]

Excellent summary. I have two scarves drom the 80s that I wore with my coats. They have sitting in a drawer for the last couple of years. I am voing to vring them out now and have a look and wear them again. Can you sendca link on how to wrap/use them with shirts, blouses etc. They are certainly amazing. TY

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, you should definitely bring them out. I am a bit "boring" when it comes to how to wear the scarves - I mostly wear them like in the video with a nice top, because this is easiest and fastest for me. But I want to look into more ways to wear them, maybe I'll do a video for that too, that would be a great idea :)

[@sandraharris8018]

Most enjoyable and informative. I recently purchased a "Hermes" scarf on-line. Lazy Leopardesses. I can only find it in more neutral tones from my research. This one is colbat blue and yellow. Pink hand-rolled hem as it should be. Do you have any advice that would help please? Thank you.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you. May I ask where you bought it? Do the colours like like this one? www.ebay.com/itm/235351397544

[@willcolahan156]

Fantastic summary! What's the name of the design you are wearing?

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you! It’s Collections Impériales by Catherine Baschet.

[@janejdough2230]

Caty Latham is my favourite designer.

[@frenchstyle7038]

I love her too! One of my favorites in my small collection is 'Farandole'. ☺

[@PinkLookbook]

The Farandole is beautiful!

[@PinkLookbook]

Which of her desinteressiert is your favourite?

[@monicakeeley1358]

What scarf are you wearing ?

[@PinkLookbook]

It’s the Collections Imperial scarf

[@mercurydime8663]

I am a amature magician and i always look for silk scarves at good will and have found many over the years i like the hand sewn edges. It fun to pull them out of a hat.

[@PinkLookbook]

That sounds like a fun magic show with a fashionable twist!

[@mariannatitova]

Ok... I have hermes carre90 Parures des sables (L.Thioune), it is original, but size 89×86.5😢 is it possible?❤

[@PinkLookbook]

It could be possible, because for certain editions, Hermès issued special sizes. So that fact alone doesn’t automatically mean it‘s not authentic. Did you check the other criteria?

[@mariannatitova]

Thank you about your answer😊 Yes, 1. fabric is original 2. Hand finishing edge 3. Similar color fabric and thread 4. Artist name 5. Hermes name 6. And hermes has this collection of "Parures des Sables" in 1994. I am sure this is original, but I can't explain myself this size...maybe it was juke😂 Anyway thank you❤

[@PinkLookbook]

It does sound interesting! But I agree with you. The design is a beautiful one

[@mariannatitova]

Maybe I ask Hermes about it❤😊

[@PinkLookbook]

Yeah, that’s a great idea. Let me know when you hear back from them!

[@mariateresaquirk451]

I came across your video while fixing the original orange bag before preparing a Xmas gift for my eldest daughter. I inherited the scarf from my grandmother. I checked all your pointers and it looks like I have the real thing. Mine is signed Ledoux. It has words that seem quite at odds with each other: Musée, Coiffure a la Belle Poule and Bateau a Vapeur de Jouffroy D’Abbans 1784. It’s mainly a maritime theme. I wonder if you could tell me the history behind it? I really enjoyed your video.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for your comment, glad you liked my video. From your description, I think it may be “Musée” by Ledoux, does it look similar to this one: jewelry.ha.com/itm/luxury-accessories/accessories/hermes-90cm-beige-and-burgundy-musee-by-philippe-ledoux-silk-scarfexcellent-condition36-width-x-36-/a/5209-58684.s I have made another video about some artists for Hermès and am also talking about Ledoux - maybe this is interesting for you?

[@mariateresaquirk451]

@@PinkLookbook it is really similar to the one in the picture!!! Thank you. And yes, i should have mentioned the word MUSÉE on the ship's rudder...

[@mariateresaquirk451]

@@PinkLookbook and yes! I would love to see that video! Could you send me the link please?

[@PinkLookbook]

@@mariateresaquirk451 Sure, you can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXi0hoBmmK2Hd7c

[@PinkLookbook]

@@mariateresaquirk451 That's great, they often make one designs in different colour combinations, so it may look a bit different, but the basic pattern stays the same.

[@user-ei6cx1pr8r]

That’s interesting I love Hermes

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you!

[@user-nf9ky1ff5l]

❤❤❤

[@PinkLookbook]

Thank you!

[@maryokeefe5351]

This is most interesting, thank you. I have been told that the scarves are actually made in Como, Italy. Are you able to confirm this? Also, I am most curious to know what has happened to the Hermes scarves belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth II? I imagine she owned hundreds of them.

[@PinkLookbook]

Thanks for your interesting comment, let me check about Como - it may be possible but I would like to do some research before I answer this. Regarding Queen Elizabeth II and her collection: I assume that the Palace will keep them with her other garments in an archive - I hope they will one day display them, that would be a beautiful exhibition.

[@maryokeefe5351]

Thank you. By the way, I learned this from an Italian friend in Milan who had a textile business in Como, so that seems like a credible source. Pease let me know what you discover, if you would be so kind. @@PinkLookbook

[@PinkLookbook]

I also think it is quite possible, the big centres of silk production in the area where Lyon, parts of Switzerland and Como. I haven't found any written proof yet but I'll keep researching and will let you know!

[@pinkmagnolia921]

They are not made in Como, Italy; Hermes is a French brand and their scarves are made in Lyon with the exception of some Cashmere Scarves that have been made in the UK and Nepal. All the silk Carres are printed and produced in France. The silk is produced in Brazil and shipped to France for printing and finishing. There are actually many fake Hermes Scarves that were produced in Italy; big, boxy letters in the lower right hand corner are a dead giveaway. Perhaps this is what your friend was thinking of?

[@maryokeefe5351]

Thank you.@@pinkmagnolia921

[@zayaatelier452]

my dream is create for hermes

[@PinkLookbook]

Are you an artist? Then this really must be a dream!

[@evisoraya1676]

Kalau lihat scarf mahal pegen ngambek ya tapi sama siapa secara butuh...