Friday, January 14, 2011

French Fridays~ The Fabulous Scarf

Beinvenue to the second Metis Linens Fabulous French Fridays. There has been a resurgence of scarf wearing (and subsequent decorating) in America.

 

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I have to wonder if this is due to the fabulous fashions worn by the lovely ladies on Mad Men.

 

 

Or perhaps it is the inspiration of a few film stars who add a bit of style to their everyday ensembles.

 

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Either way it is a finishing flair that French women have always worn.

 

 

Joining Bridget Bardot as a perfect example of a French scarf wearing woman is the glamorous Catherine Deneuve. (Can I say Rupert is adorable too? :)

 

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There are also a few favorite fashion icons that come to mind who also regularly wore scarves.

 

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Of course not everyone can rock the Babushka look like Jackie did. Nor can everyone wear the head wrap.

 

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But I could be tempted to wear a sweet style reminiscent of Rosie the Riveter.

 

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But truly it is the French who have cornered the market on the scarf. Coco, as always, ever classic.

 

 

The House of Chanel regularly shows scarves on the runway and in ad campaigns.

 

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There is but one name that is synonymous with the quintessential French scarf. Hermès. Of course the original Hermes was a Greek god who protected and took care of all travelers.  Hermès International, S.A. is a high French fashion house which was established by Thierry Hermès in 1837. The family, originally from Germany, established themselves on the Grands Boulevards quarter of Paris as a harness workshop which catered to European noblemen.

 

 

In 1880 the company moved the shop to 24 Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, a location near the Palais de l'Elysée. Here Hermès has remained. It is a location that I long to visit as much for the design and architecture, as for the beautiful products displayed there.

 

 

In 1900, the company began offering the haut à courroies bag which was designed specifically for riders to carry their saddles with them. By 1922 Thierry Hermès grandsons were running the family business. When Émile-Maurice's wife complained that she could not find a handbag to her liking, he created an entire line of bags.

 

 

In 1935, the leather Sac à dépêches, made its debut. It was later renamed the Kelly bag in honor of Princess Grace who carried it always.

 

 

Then in 1937, the Hermès carrés (scarves) were introduced. The company purchased raw Chinese silk that was spun into yarn and woven into a fabric which was twice as strong and heavy as other scarves that were offered at the time. Designers spent years creating new patterns. Each scarf features a design which is screen-printed with vegetable dye.  One color is applied and then allowed to dry for a month before the next color is added. Some designs feature up to 40 separate colors. The most colors ever used on one scarf was 43. It is easy to see how the Hermès scarf costs such a pretty penny.

 

 

The long coveted signature orange boxes featuring the company logo, the duc-carriage-with-horse, were introduced in the early 1950’s.

 

 

In the 1990’s Hermès began releasing two new scarf collections each year, some of which were limited edition designs. The scarves often feature equestrian themes in a nod to the companies heritage. Flora and fauna are also popular designs. At this time, I can’t afford a Hermes scarf~ even on Ebay. I believe that someday the sun will shine brightly as I enter a thrift store and I will find a forgotten gem awaiting me. Possibly tied onto a Birkin bag. But that is another post in and of itself.

 

 

Until then I am channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn.

 

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Lovely ruffled scarves made from our favorite Metis Linen will be available at the Long Beach flea market this Sunday and then perhaps the online shop.

 

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Do you wear scarves?

Andrea and Laura

UPDATE: To assist those who emailed:

1. Hermès is pronounced Heir Mez.

2. Here is a fabulous site that shows several ways in which to wear a scarf.

3. Anyone of any age can wear a scarf.

 

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43 comments:

The Everything List said...

ahhh to have an hermes scarf! i have always had a lot of cotton scarves but i am thinking about transitioning to silk scarves as well. so pretty! i just have no idea how to wear them!

http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Loveeeeeeee this post Laura!! And I loveeeeee that photo of you!!! Have a successful weekend!! And be safe! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Loved your post as usual Laura, fun and educational at the same time. I did used to wear scarves back when I worked in the corporate world, wore them ala Grace Kelly with my suits but I haven't really worn them since. Must rethink that. You won't be getting that thrift score if I get there first! :)

Linda said...

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I love, ADORE, scarves!! I wear them often and have many different styles.
This is great!

Happy Friday :o)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hi, Laura... just popped over from your blog, and to answer your question, yes, I do wa=ear acarves. I'm crazy about scarves and enjoyed reading this post. Thanks!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Unknown said...

fantastic stylish and jolly informative post, thoroughly enjoyed it thanks; and yes, thumbs up for scarves; especially a vintage delight...

Kim said...

Yes! I wear scarves. Love them. Scarves are also a huge bonus when traveling since they polish up a minimalist wardrobe and, depending upon the climate, add warmth when needed.

Looking forward to seeing your new collection (alas, online and not in person).

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laura, I love scarves and have quite a few, including a Hermes. I use to wear them all the time. I really need to get them out and start wearing them again, they are such a great accessory. You look wonderful in your ruffled one. I had such a great time yesterday and it was so good to see you again and meet your daughter. She is stunning. Have fun at the show. Hugs, Marty

{oc cottage} said...

I wish I was brave enough to wear scarves...but I am a boring chicken! ;}


m ^..^

{I LOVE THE WAY THE ONE IN THE VERY FIRST SHOT IN WORN!}

Dawna said...

Have a great week end and thanks for making life so "colorful"....Love all your pics and info. Thnks

Terri Steffes said...

OoOoO! I love this post. I love scarves and bags. I would love to own a Hermes scarf and bag some day! Hey! I have an idea! Why don't you sponsor a give away and have the prize be a Hermes scarf!

Do the rest of bloggers agree?

(HeHeHe, I am so wicked!)

Mary Catherine said...

What a great post! I too long to own an Hermes scarf! You look darling on your French bike with your scarf!

Blue Creek Home said...

Yes, I love scarves...Love this post! Once upon a time, many many years ago, when I was young and still had my school girl figure, I wore scarves - usually with jeans and a white shirt. I also lived in California then where I was introduced to Hermes. I fell in love and started asking for a scarf for every special occasion. I have the one that Catherine Deneuve is wearing! I only have a handful of them but and I don't wear them, but I still love each one of them and look at them often.
Thanks for the memory this morning.
Love the one you are wearing.
Rhonda

Unknown said...

Your first picture of the display of scarves is so cool! Love the colorfulness of it. I used to wear scarves all the time but rarely do anymore. But I still love them. I'm going to have to see about getting some new ones that aren't so bulky - some of the ones the past few years seemed more suited to wearing with jackets.

French Basketeer.com said...

I love scarves, and have worn them for years. I have several Hermes scarves that I bought in Paris a long time ago, at the Hermes sample sale, which used to be once each year. At the time, they were affordable!

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Loved this post!;) And you look absolutely darling in your photo too! I wear a scarf daily~ Love them! Have a wonderful day my friend~ Hugs, Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

Julie Marie said...

Bonjour Laura... and Merci for visiting me at my blog today and your most kindest comments... I love scarves (being mostly French that I am) and use them in a number of ways...this is such an interesting and inspiring post... I am going to fix myself my morning cafe au lait and come back and read further... Bisous... Julie Marie

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Laura,
Great post, and you are right, the French have mastered the art of wearing a scarf. When I saw a wee little girl whip one round her neck I knew I had to get into gear. I love your ruffly Metis Linen you are wearing.
Bon weekend,
Mimi

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Bon jour Laura et Audrey!
Ahh, scarves, love them but about the only scarves I've worn to date are the cold weather crochet/knit type and they're just not in the same league as Hermes for certain. Catherine Deneuve is a woman of such style and I adore her work.

Thank you for stopping by my blog, I would love to join in your French Fridays. I will add your button to my blog today and spread the word at My Petite Maison.

Joyeux Vendredi... my little take on Happy Friday!
~Tracie

vicki archer said...

I have always loved scarves...such a great post Laura...and I loved all your photographs ...xv

Lorrie said...

Lovely post, Laura, full of interesting tidbits. I wear scarves almost every day - I find they add that last finishing touch to my outfit, even if I'm just sitting in front of my computer studying.

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Fabulous post! I too love scarves especially since my trip to Paris a few years ago...all the women were so beautiful and stylish wearing them.

Have fun this weekend!

Londen

Anonymous said...

I am soon to be 57 years old and have never stopped wearing scarves. Oh, especially bunched around the neck during the winter months. One gal says she wouldn't recognize me if I wasn't wearing a scarf.

Di
AND, there are so many to choose from!!

paris parfait said...

Long before I was living in France, I fell in love with scarves. But in the past ten years in Paris, scarves have become a wardrobe staple. I don't think there's a day during fall or winter when I'm not wearing a scarf of some sort - spring as well. Scarves add a certain flair to any outfit...although I admit I still can't tie scarves with the insouciance of the locals. :)

Mom in High Heels said...

Great post! I wear a scarf almost every day. Scarves can totally complete and outfit. Even a t-shirt and jeans look jazzed up with a saucy scarf tied around your neck.

Karena said...

Andrea and Laura, one of the best posts ever!

More style icons in one place than ever seen with adorable and tres chic scarves!

A girlfriend in San Diego has a collection of Hermes Scarves and they are gorgeous beyond!

Remember to give Eddie and Jaithan my best and hugs!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

vosgesparis said...

Bonsoir mes amies... Merci d'etre inviter chez toi ;)

Scarfs ohhhh I love them I have several grey ones and lately I love the round ones you can just fold twice and where them.. they are so nice and warm and when it rains you can wear part of it on your head.. If I only knew how they are called..
have a great weekend
desiree

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

Fabulous post and YES! I wear a scarf just about every day ... they are like my security blanket ... hey also come in handy for many uses when traveling with a 4 year old .... seriously!

xo
Jill

Ticking and Toile said...

Oh so many beautiful pictures!! I love the classic look of scarves. I wear them on occasion but not often enough I'm afraid. My teenage daughters are way into it though!! :)

xoxo,
Shellagh

Audra Lynn said...

I adore scarves! I have an infinity scarf that I really dig right now. :)

Parisbreakfasts said...

Fabulously informative post on scarfs and lots I didn't know about Hermes
Merci indeed
Carolg

The Boston Lady said...

You are right! Anyone can wear a scarf! (I don't - I am fashion-challenged, but I support those who are fashion literate!) Have fun in Long Beach. I am totally envious... More important or at least equally important, I hope you have wonderful success. I can't wait until I am there in the summer and can perhaps come to one of your booths! Ann

shabbyfufu said...

Hi Laura, merci for inviting me over to visit and learn more about your new French venture!

Oh yes...I wear scarves and being at the age where some wrinkles are starting to pop around the neck it definitely helps to make them instantly vanish:-)

Good luck at market...xo, Janet

*Chic Provence* said...

Hi Laura, I feel positively naked without a scarf these days, even in our (chilly) summertimes here in San Francisco..:)

Lovely and good luck this weekend! wish I could see you guys there but am stuck in NoCal !

xoxo Kit

Mimi said...

I LOVE SCARVES and got a darling one for my birthday from my neighbor!!!I will snap my pic of me wearing it, I love the unique ways to tie them!!
have fun
hugs,
jamie

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

I love scarves and these are indeed some fabulous images. Am I the only person in America that still hasn't seen Mad Men? I've got to get with the program! Have a great weekend. Mona

Kit said...

What a wonderful blog! I loved seeing and reading all about these lovely bits of cloth. I have just started wearing scarves. My basic dressup to go out is black slacks and a white blouse. Now I add scarves and it really finishes the look. Kit

Fifi Flowers said...

Scarves are so très chic... Ooh la la! I have several... I need to wear them more!

Beadboard UpCountry said...

I love all of those.....let me know if there are any left after Long Beach. I miss going so much it was only ten minutes away from mo house!What am I saying ? I'll be in Paris next week. I'll add a scarf to the list Maryanne xo

Jenny D said...

Perfect information for a perfect Sunday morning! Enjoyed your post so much and I learned a few things... I will tie a scarf to my bag today. Hope you have a fantastic turnout in Long Beach!!! Merci....

Heaven's Walk said...

Just found your blog via Tracie's - and I'm loving all the French-ness, Laura! My home has finally discovered her true personality and has slowly morphed into a French country farmhouse (still morphing tho!)in the past year. Through all of the French influence I've attempted to incorporate, I've done a little morphing, too. :) I cut my hair shorter, adore wearing scarves with everything I wear, love eating light and healthy, and am attempting to learn a few French words here and there to embrace my 1/2 French heritage. So imagine my delight when I stumbled into your blog?? Looking forward to visiting you again!

xoxo laurie

Unknown said...

I love wearing scarves! And it is so true about the French, they do all wear scarves...when we were in Paris last year I loved seeing all of the beautiful scarves everyone wore, even the men!

Beautiful blog!!!

:) T

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Laura, I just found your new blog and I love it! I've always worn scarves, or tie one onto my purse. They are a staple for me. Great post!!!
xo,
Debra