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Le Carré Hermès
The Hermès scarf is a style icon. Worn by royalty and celebrities, coveted and admired, and now avidly collected, this deceptively simple square of silk is much more than just a fashion accessory: it is the stuff of legend.
Since the first scarf made its debut in 1937, the House of Hermès has produced more than two thousand different designs. From the classic scarves that embody the Hermès tradition to the wildly imaginative stylings of contemporary designers, the House is always forging new paths and yet is never afraid to take a fresh and often witty approach to its own heritage.
A scarf is not the work of a single individual; at each stage of its creation, talent and craftsmanship combine to create a work of art. These qualities shine through in the illustrations, by turns playful and poetic, which lead the reader into a richly colored world with a multitude of motifs. They range from the equestrian themes that are internationally associated with the Hermès brand, through French history and the natural world, to global cultures. From vibrant opulence to subtle harmony, every scarf conveys a mood and every one tells a story.
Since the first scarf made its debut in 1937, the House of Hermès has produced more than two thousand different designs. From the classic scarves that embody the Hermès tradition to the wildly imaginative stylings of contemporary designers, the House is always forging new paths and yet is never afraid to take a fresh and often witty approach to its own heritage.
A scarf is not the work of a single individual; at each stage of its creation, talent and craftsmanship combine to create a work of art. These qualities shine through in the illustrations, by turns playful and poetic, which lead the reader into a richly colored world with a multitude of motifs. They range from the equestrian themes that are internationally associated with the Hermès brand, through French history and the natural world, to global cultures. From vibrant opulence to subtle harmony, every scarf conveys a mood and every one tells a story.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 31, 2020
"They didn't know it was impossible so they did it." Said of Hermes, his son-in-law Dumas and 2 more generations later still directing a dream team of Hermes scarf creators.
This is not a comprehensive book of Hermes's 2,000 scarf designs (plus the tease of a vault full of yet unseen treasures waiting to be brought to life). It is more a homage to the origin of these scarves of scarves, written like an endless dreamy poem. For that reason, this 2009 book holds no recent works if that's what you were looking for. I wish there was a book that had all the designs...
"Coloring a scarf is like setting it to music."
Too true. A scarf in one colorway sings a different mood from another. One scarf can take as many as 49 color layers. It takes over a year to bring a design into the wearer's hands. Two scarves side by side can look entirely different. That's why I have my favorite design in 2 colorways.
(1 moth = 300 eggs) + (2 mulberry trees = 300 cocoons) = 450,000m of silk thread = 1 scarf
Hand printed on that crisp silk, with that snap to the feel that no other scarf can compare to.
O yes, Hermes scarves are a secret joy I have discovered while sheltering from covid. It seems appropriate as these were first invented leading out of the Depression. Just waiting for the time they can unfurl out in the world...
This is not a comprehensive book of Hermes's 2,000 scarf designs (plus the tease of a vault full of yet unseen treasures waiting to be brought to life). It is more a homage to the origin of these scarves of scarves, written like an endless dreamy poem. For that reason, this 2009 book holds no recent works if that's what you were looking for. I wish there was a book that had all the designs...
"Coloring a scarf is like setting it to music."
Too true. A scarf in one colorway sings a different mood from another. One scarf can take as many as 49 color layers. It takes over a year to bring a design into the wearer's hands. Two scarves side by side can look entirely different. That's why I have my favorite design in 2 colorways.
(1 moth = 300 eggs) + (2 mulberry trees = 300 cocoons) = 450,000m of silk thread = 1 scarf
Hand printed on that crisp silk, with that snap to the feel that no other scarf can compare to.
O yes, Hermes scarves are a secret joy I have discovered while sheltering from covid. It seems appropriate as these were first invented leading out of the Depression. Just waiting for the time they can unfurl out in the world...
December 28, 2009
Hermes scarf collectors have been waiting DECADES for a definitive book on Hermes scarf designs from the house of Hermes.
This is not it.
Lots of pretty, pretty pictures for those who dont like to read. I happen to, so would have appreciated more substance.
Amazon.com says this book wont come out until April but it's currently available at any of the 17+ Hermes boutiques across the country if you dont mind paying way above the Amazon price. It has already come out all across Europe and Canada and it's readily available thru the Amazon website from that specific country.
This is not it.
Lots of pretty, pretty pictures for those who dont like to read. I happen to, so would have appreciated more substance.
Amazon.com says this book wont come out until April but it's currently available at any of the 17+ Hermes boutiques across the country if you dont mind paying way above the Amazon price. It has already come out all across Europe and Canada and it's readily available thru the Amazon website from that specific country.
May 27, 2024
The appreciation in collating the scarves into this book is definitely one to have on the coffee table. I’ve been wanting to buy a Hermes’ scarf the description and the history has now given me an insight to understand more about which one to purchase and pay attention to the finer details.
January 5, 2025
Enjoyable and will repeat many visits. A good reference - would have appreciated content on authenticating, labeling, etc. This book whet my appetite but did not quench my thirst.
Quote
“They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it.”
Read hardback, purchased.
Quote
“They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it.”
Read hardback, purchased.
April 22, 2012
just gorgeous.
August 24, 2012
I'm addicted and feeding it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews