One of the most iconic fashion accessories of all time, the Hermès Carré scarf is the epitome of luxury and elegance. Combining the finest materials, craftsmanship and design, the Hermès scarf is favoured by royalty and the fashion elite, young and old, but buying at auction allows everyone to own a little piece of fashion history at a more affordable price.
Hermès was established in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, and the company began life as a harness workshop supplying the European nobility, before moving into saddlery and associated leather goods. The first leather handbag was made in 1922, after Emile-Maurice Hermès’ wife complained that she could not find one she liked. Soon after the company began moving away from the utilitarian to concentrate on luxury lifestyle goods, and by the 1940s Hermès had become a leading international fashion retailer.
Alongside the Birkin Bag, the Hermès Carré scarf has become an iconic piece of fashion history. The scarf was introduced in 1937, designed as a woodblock print by Emile Hermès’ son-in-law, Robert Dumas. Made with the finest Chinese silk, the scarves soon caught the eye of Parisian society and became a must-have accessory. Since then, more than 2,000 elaborate, colourful designs have been created, and the scarf has become a wardrobe staple for the likes of our Queen, Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis, and Madonna. Each year Hermès release two collections that mix classic designs based on their equestrian heritage and French history with witty contemporary patterns drawing inspiration from different cultures, the natural world and mythology. Reprints of favoured archived designs are issued each year too, such as the popular ‘Brides de Gala’.