The perfect finishing touch

The Hermès scarf has provided the perfect finishing touch for some of the world’s most glamorous women, notably Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Onassis, Sophia Loren, Catherine Deneuve, Grace Kelly and Queen Elizabeth II, who was depicted in a 1950s postage stamp wearing an Hermès scarf.

Multiple silk screens

Hermès scarves are hand-printed using multiple silk screens.

It takes a studio of 20 freelance designers approximately 9 - 10 months to create a final pattern and for it to be approved; colour testing then takes another 3 months.

The entire process from design to concept, engraving and printing, to hand-finishing is approximately two years.

Popular themes

Each scarf design has a title and many are commemorative with an overall concept, some popular themes include equestrian, military, nautical, fantastical, floral, mythological, geographical and historical, amongst many others.

Each scarf design is issued in a number of different colour ways.

Creative designers

Hermès artists are often known for their own particular style of design; for example, Julie Abadie, who has designed for Hermès since 1969, is inspired by Grecian motifs and themes. Hugo Grygkar created designs from 1946 to 1959, and he is regarded as one of the most creative of all Hermès designers.

Examples of scarves designed by both Abadie and Grygkar are amongst those in the forthcoming auction.

Many colours

Each Hermès scarf incorporates on average at least five different colours; the design with the greatest number of colours, at 42, is A Vos Crayons.

Designs may be re-issued decades later, or just a few years after the original release. And, new colours or a border are invariably added to vintage designs.

Distinctive hand rolled edge

The hand-stitched, hand-rolled hem on the Hermès scarf is known as a "roule".

It takes approximately 45 minutes for a hem to be hand rolled and sewn and the rolling of the roule is the final step in the creation of a scarf.

The distinctive hand rolled edge is a feature to look out for when considering purchasing an Hermès scarf.

Best-selling designs

The February selection includes examples of two of Hermès best-selling designs: Brides de Gala, designed by Hugo Grygkar and Les Cles, designed by Cathy Latham, which is showing here.

Browse the full catalogue here 

For more information on the Hermès silk scarves in this auction or to consign to future auctions of Luxury Accessories please contact us: jsw@dreweatts.com | +44 (0)1635 553 553