Scarves MYH's Scarf Showcase - and philosophical ramblings about how I built my collection

[Langsam]

My current thinking is that each of the aspects you mentioned MYH (format, design scale, color, knot) can *potentially* be aging if they are a mismatch for the person's coloring, scale, and lines. But I don't think any one of those aspects is *inherently* aging independent of who is wearing the scarf. For instance, I'm a "Classic" style type (medium everything, balanced/regular features) and feel I can carry off the 90 cm bias / secured in front better than someone of a "Natural" style type whose vibe is inherently more organic / asymmetric features on whom that look might seem stuffy. Best looks for me seem to be medium scale pattern, symmetrical or balanced that have some element of restraint. I own the Tresors shawl (in the gray / blue colorway) and while it's glorious, in my heart of hearts I admit is probably best for Natural style types. I find the design scale / asymmetry and giant size a challenge (it swallows me up and tends to 'wear me" even though the colors are perfect). It's difficult for me to carry off in cowboy knot and I'm still looking for the perfect knot to contain it (MaiTai's hacking knot is probably the best I've tried so far). Yet I also find that too-small / too-floral comes across on me as fussy and girlish (looking at you, beautiful Liberty floral print scarf that I never wear). Fleurs de Giverny was a nope, unfortunately, but gorgeous on the right person I'm sure. I adore the modern H designs which run the gamut from quite classical to wild and free! Truly something for everyone. I think Pirula's Omnibus Remix is a nice example of modern elements (color, crosshatch overlays) jazzing up a Classical design while maintaining an overall sense of symmetry suitable for Classic style types. Another example that comes to mind from my collection is Merveilleuses Lanternes which is very Classical in the regularity and intricacy of the lanterns, yet their medium-largish scale keeps them from being precious. Yet on someone more petite than me, they might seem comically large. It's so individual how it all comes together. (re headscarf / Convertible look, my variant of the Classical style type is actually called "The Princess". This is a look I think I could do if I were daring enough! Or had a convertible.)

 

[klynneann]

How in the hell is this aging?:

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Maybe I just don’t want to know! [emoji23][emoji23]


Okay I grant you, this is less fussy so maybe “younger”:

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Pirula, I don't think anything could age you! But putting that aside, I think you tie these all wonderfully! None of them is too fussy, they all somehow just seem right. So perhaps that's why they work so well on you.

 

[Genie27]

My current thinking is that each of the aspects you mentioned MYH (format, design scale, color, knot) can *potentially* be aging if they are a mismatch for the person's coloring, scale, and lines. But I don't think any one of those aspects is *inherently* aging independent of who is wearing the scarf. For instance, I'm a "Classic" style type (medium everything, balanced/regular features) and feel I can carry off the 90 cm bias / secured in front better than someone of a "Natural" style type whose vibe is inherently more organic / asymmetric features on whom that look might seem stuffy. Best looks for me seem to be medium scale pattern, symmetrical or balanced that have some element of restraint. I own the Tresors shawl (in the gray / blue colorway) and while it's glorious, in my heart of hearts I admit is probably best for Natural style types. I find the design scale / asymmetry and giant size a challenge (it swallows me up and tends to 'wear me" even though the colors are perfect). It's difficult for me to carry off in cowboy knot and I'm still looking for the perfect knot to contain it (MaiTai's hacking knot is probably the best I've tried so far). Yet I also find that too-small / too-floral comes across on me as fussy and girlish (looking at you, beautiful Liberty floral print scarf that I never wear). Fleurs de Giverny was a nope, unfortunately, but gorgeous on the right person I'm sure. I adore the modern H designs which run the gamut from quite classical to wild and free! Truly something for everyone. I think Pirula's Omnibus Remix is a nice example of modern elements (color, crosshatch overlays) jazzing up a Classical design while maintaining an overall sense of symmetry suitable for Classic style types. Another example that comes to mind from my collection is Merveilleuses Lanternes which is very Classical in the regularity and intricacy of the lanterns, yet their medium-largish scale keeps them from being precious. Yet on someone more petite than me, they might seem comically large. It's so individual how it all comes together. (re headscarf / Convertible look, my variant of the Classical style type is actually called "The Princess". This is a look I think I could do if I were daring enough! Or had a convertible.)

Yes!! I’m short, top heavy and not skinny, so it’s very easy to look dumpy if I’m not careful. Wearing heels help, but that is not always feasible so I have to use other methods to draw people’s attention up towards my face. Browns make me look muddy and dull, while pinks make people in the street smile at me.

Scarves worn long like that first picture tend to draw the eye downward to my mid section as well as add extra weight. They work much better if they are near my neck and face. Some of those beautiful knots Pirula showed with a jacket work well on me. (and that is a Jardin I can wear as it’s almost abstract)

 

[gracekelly]

How in the hell is this aging?:

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Maybe I just don’t want to know! [emoji23][emoji23]


Okay I grant you, this is less fussy so maybe “younger”:

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Not at all on you babe! I think it is all in your attitude and it transmits loud and clear.

 

[gracekelly]

I have gone through various phases with my scarf selections over the years. I have been in my whimsical, abstract and colorful phase for a quite a while I think they are less serious and fun to wear on the whole. Hermes scarves have had a reputation as as an accessory that women of a certain age and economic status included in their wardrobe. Members here know that is no longer the case, but some who are old enough to remember this may still have that thought lurking in their subconscious and the fear of “matronly” rears it’s head every now and again. The right attitude is everything and it is how you present yourself to the world.

 

[werner]

I agree with you MYH....Have gotten rid of most of my 90s and kept my abstract and bold CSGMs and 140 mousselines.,,,and prefer the cowboy knot. I've kept a few legacy jersey silks because of love of the patterns (e.g. ExLibris), but rarely wear them. Love the term "messy", rather than "done". Well narrated post, MYH.

 

[lanit]

i agree with you MYH that the 90 format seems to be the most traditional format, and also agree that busy and intricate patterns tend to feel matronly on me. I have been on a 90 ban for several years, though broke it a few times for the Samourai, Hippopolis and a couple of mens silks. I have set aside my scarf rings for nearly ten years now. So count me on on the loose organic tying silk wagon.

Really tried hard on the Jardin designs, none worked for me either, except the AS Anglais one. Even then, I opted for the monochromatic colorways in mousse and 90. And white background silks do work for me because they are wonderful to light the face!

I think what makes scarf wearing modern is the outfit you are wearing. My wardrobe consists of minimal, modern form / / style pieces and i do prefer 140 format in general to the 90. I just love the scale of graphic at 140. Re mousseline, i just prefer the lightness of this format for our climate, but the pattern and color definitely has to feel right in proportion and color on the wearer. It does make me feel sad at times that I am not able to enjoy my 90 silks as much any more, but i will still pull one out now and then for sheer enjoyment of the artistry. I need to get that scarf hanging kit up at some point!

P.s. i love that gorgeous Constance in GA with RGHW, and Tresors is one of my favorite shawls!

 

[FrenchSandra]

How in the hell is this aging?:

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Maybe I just don’t want to know! [emoji23][emoji23]


Okay I grant you, this is less fussy so maybe “younger”:

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All I see is a beautiful woman with a piece of art around his neck. And of course have some regrets because I didn't buy Dans un jardin anglais in black too. For me 90 is the format and the material that shows the art of Hermes the best, even if I own, love and wear the other formats, materials. Looking old, classical, is not a problem for me (even if I would not wear head scarf that is just ugly on me), so, my wallet is not safe this season

 

[kathydep]

I agree with @MYH but this is my theory: The type of fabric plays a factor of looking “matronly/aging”. I think not a lot of younger folks walk around wearing silks, but they would wear cashmere. Just my 2 cents. I am 33, by the way, and I attempted to wear my one and only 90 that I bought specifically for Xmas. I ditched it for my JQ CGSM.

 

[ninakt]

About the scarves that make us look older.
I feel that the only pattern, that is a bit dangerous are big and old flowers, like this la Rosee scarf is a perfect example, if it is not styled with a very simple way like a white tee and jeans or extreme like a head scarf ect.
A right colored lipstick helps a lot, many ladies here, do it very well.
I took also a pic to with my vintage dress, big flower on big flower, which is a double hit for mumpsy.
Some clothes, like this dress just dont take a scarf, unless unicolor, I think.
Also with a scarf, a-lined dress gives grannyears, maybe not so much for tall figure.
But my point is, that many things matter, not just a scarf.

 

[momasaurus]

Oh honey!! Go back and get the Tresors 90. The burgundy red background is really divine. The other one I was tempted with was the blue/orange cw but when I tried it on, it was a bit too bright for me.

Heheh. .....I have very little in that color palette and it would be really fun. But I am trying to cut down on 90s!!

 

[momasaurus]

Here are some illustrations of what I mean. Here’s a 90cm. It’s the easiest knot so I know it’s tempting to do but I think it adds 10 years. This is the 90cm bias fold with scarf ring in front I was talking about.
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Also, I’ve never seen anyone pull off this head scarf unless they were a princess or riding in a convertible.
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Also big bows in front are also a no-no for me. She is ruining Ex Libris en kimonos for me.
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Ok, I’m ready for everyone to throw tomatoes at me!!

If you take that first knot and just make one end really short, the look is much more fun.
As to the head scarf, just bring the ends around to the back and jump in the convertible.
Bows. No.

I love this conversation! Great comments, everyone. I agree that the rest of the outfit, the lipstick, and the attitude (like @Pirula's magical smile) contribute very powerfully to the effect.

 

[frou frou]

Here's the incredibly beautiful Jardins de Sintra cw 02.See that crazy gorgeous yellow hem ? And the dragonfly?
Love it to bits after seeing it modelled in the AW 2017 thread, and saw it for the first time in store last week . It looked sensational on others ,and it looked good on me at the time.
Pirula looks amazing in her scarves. It's a question of balancing colouring, lifestyle etc so there' no universal law
It isn't going to work for me largely because it drains the bejesus from my palish sallow skin ,and it makes me look too serious .
It's all so complicated because I still wear 90cm and love them .Mousseline is not my format and they've all but one gone . I think MYH has nailed all the reasons some scarves don't work for me , I'd never identified these before but reading her list I was nodding in accord.
My way is this .
I put the scarf around my shoulders first thing in the morning and peer at myself.
Then if I reckon my style icons [ Alexa Chung, Jane Birkin, Linda Rodin are some] wouldn't be seen dead in it , then neither will I .

 

[Pirula]

Thank you klynnean, gracekelly, FrenchSandra, momasaurus, and Maedi for your lovely compliments. Truth be told, my airs at being insouciant are really more being lazy, or late more like. I am in a hurry because I overslept as usual and "chuck the thing on" and tie it as best I can. I rarely have time to fuss with it and it's always the worse for fussing. I could never give up 90s, they're the most versatile format as far as I am concerned, but do agree that they are also the most traditional, and classic, with whatever aging connotations those words carry. I also agree that the women here have style far beyond average and we just rock these things and that is all there is to it.

I would have said lanit looks great in everything, including all her 90s.

I agree that things like height and outfits make a big difference.

Here's the incredibly beautiful Jardins de Sintra cw 02.See that crazy gorgeous yellow hem ? And the dragonfly?
Love it to bits after seeing it modelled in the AW 2017 thread, and saw it for the first time in store last week . It looked sensational on others ,and it looked good on me at the time.
Pirula looks amazing in her scarves. It's a question of balancing colouring, lifestyle etc so there' no universal law
It isn't going to work for me largely because it drains the bejesus from my palish sallow skin ,and it makes me look too serious .
It's all so complicated because I still wear 90cm and love them .Mousseline is not my format and they've all but one gone . I think MYH has nailed all the reasons some scarves don't work for me , I'd never identified these before but reading her list I was nodding in accord.
My way is this .
I put the scarf around my shoulders first thing in the morning and peer at myself.
Then if I reckon my style icons [ Alexa Chung, Jane Birkin, Linda Rodin are some] wouldn't be seen dead in it , then neither will I .

Dear frou frou, I would have thought that anything with this much green in it would have been lovely with your coloring. It's hard to tell from this picture, but I will agree that this doesn't give you the glow that you get when you wear your gorgeous orange scarves, or your red Turandot, or your pumpkins, or your gorgeous brown Semelles. I see it. I can't put my finger on it, but I see it. It's not bad, by any means, but it's no where near close to any of those.

PS: I think LInda Rodin rocks too!

 

[scarf1]

I disagree with You, MYH, and found some of your comments offensive. In particular that looking older or being older are a negative thing. I am old. I look old. No matter what scarf I wear, no one is going think I am 20 years younger than I am. It is fine if you don’t like certain formats or designs.
Yes, I was bugged that some of the designs ( small floral) that you dislike are in my scarf collection. I wear scarf rings. Also, I now have quite a few moussies.
like others here, I don’t think it as simple as “all busy small designs are bad”. I think the colors need to be harmonious with your outfit as well as your coloring. Also, the scale of the print, style( traditional or abstract) can play a role on how your outfit looks.
I have a variety of scarf formats, styles - sometimes it depends on my mood or season what I wear.