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

[turfnsurf]

I know I’m years behind, but I just discovered this area of PF. OMGosh, this thread is silky-girl fan-(non)fiction!

 

[turfnsurf]

I'm not sure which scarf to discuss in detail for my first one. My favorite? My most used? The most versatile? The one I wore most recently? My holy grail? the first one I ever bought?

I know I’m years behind, but I just discovered this area of PF. OMGosh, this thread is silky-girl fan-(non)fiction!

 

[Mademoiselle_Verdier]

Really agree with turfnsurf & MYH in coming to the conclusion of what scarf format works for me. After being a collector for eons, I have finally settled the matter by my body size. The 90cm seems to work with my overall silhouette. The moussies and 140s are just too much bulk for me to carry on my frame. And I also feels with the CSGM I have to tie the very carefully, otherwise I just feel like I’m wearing a blanket, not very elegantly !

 

[HereToLearn]

OK, let's move on to the 2nd H scarf I bought. I think after this, I'm going to skip around and not show scarves in chronological order. Because really, after my 3rd scarf, I have no idea which was my 4th. It all becomes a blur after #3 because I literally went off the deep end. Ok, back to the story. At this point, I was still a newbie. I just barely discovered purseforum and had no idea there were whole threads started by Uno each season that showed or described the scarves. This resource is priceless folks really. Because as a newbie, if you just walk up to the scarf counter and don't have an idea of what design you are looking for, it's totally overwhelming. I didn't even have in mind the color family I wanted. With an untrained eye, it's easy to buy a mistake (like what happened on my first visit).

Since we were living in Philly at the time and spending quite a few weekends up in NYC for fun. So about a month after I bought my first one, we were in NYC and I could not wait to hit the Madison Ave store. As soon as I walked in, I panicked. People everywhere, chaos, bored husbands, SAs rushing around, and a scarf counter with customers 4 people deep. I was not in Kansas anymore, well, more like King of Prussia. If any of you know or shop at that store, it is tiny. Usually empty, and the SAs there have plenty of time to unfurl each scarf and let me ponder and think about the pros and cons of it. But I refused to leave without a scarf. So I patiently waited my turn and finally, the line in front of me cleared and I could finally peer into the scarf case. Hmmm...still clueless. What did I want? What color family am I looking for? I didn't know and didn't have time to dawdle. There were more people in line behind me. So as I said, I'm drawn to geometric modern designs and I spied this scarf sitting all by itself (turns out it was the first to show up in the new season) and asked the SA to pull it out. It wasn't exactly love at first sight, but a strong like and I figured that was good enough. At this point, I was not as discerning as I am now with scarves. I liked the colors in it, the design, and with so much chaos, I asked her to box it up.

Now years later, I do really like this scarf. Because I kind of picked it on impulse, it does have a lemon yellow color in it that is not really my taste but I kind of like it for that reason. On the other hand, it has alot of grey and as you all will soon see, I love grey! Also, I can tie it so the strong teal and lemon yellow colors barely show and only the blue and gray shows. Or I can tie it and show all the colors. So really, it is very versatile. It's also a good year-round scarf and works both day and nighttime. So for an uneducated impulse buy, it worked out great.

And since I wear this scarf often with my Van Cleef 10 motif mother of pearl necklace, I decided to include it in my picture.

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I know this post refers to a much earlier point on this thread, but I thought it so clearly encapsulated something I have been pondering in my own scarf collection (50+, I love the 90X90's!).

Your pictures illustrate so well that the method of tying a scarf can completely alter how it looks, doing anything from accenting certain colors to eliminating certain colors. What an exact example of a scarf purchase really meaning many scarves purchased in one. Thank you!

 

[jaschultze]

So....I have been asked by quite a few people if we could circle back to the “aging scarf” topic because they find it fascinating and want to learn and hear others opinions. I’m willing to give it a try but thought some ground rules might be good? I think the discussion can only be honest and frank if everyone feels comfortable sharing their true opinions without fear it will cause animosity.

I'm glad you resurrected this topic, as I find the subject fascinating. I'm newer to Hermes scarves and I agree with just about everything you said in your original post. Seeing my own thoughts articulated so well by someone else has really helped me learn to trust my instincts as I start this little journey. For the record, I'm in my 50s (but am told I look much younger) and consider myself a modern/classic dresser.

For my first H scarf, like many I headed straight for the 90cms, but I found my "heart" and "head" in conflict almost from the start. My "head' wanted the most classic Hermes prints and colors but I didn't feel at all like myself in them (nor like Alexa Chung — love that visual!). But when I veered further away and found prints to make my heart sing, I felt almost disappointed and like I wasn't getting the "real" Hermes experience. It was definitely trial-and-error and I actually bought and returned at least two (I remember one was Zenobie) before I finally settled on Tyger Tyger (cw 09). While I do love it and feel like it ticks both the head and heart boxes, I can still see the compromise that I made, since I find it a little less wearable and more fiddly than what I've bought since.

I now have five H scarves (with one on the way), and I've found that both the smaller and larger formats feel more youthful and wearable for my lifestyle. More importantly, I've found greater success defining "classic" in a more universal (rather than Hermes-centric) way. For instance, I love the bandana prints and have two (a 55cm and a brand-new CSGM). I also have a 70cm jacquard plaid in great, electric colors, and a neutral-colored (cw09) Appaloosa des Steppes CSGM, since I find both the geometrical textile and animal prints classic. I'm still not over trying to make the 90cms work, however, and I have a Sports currently en route. We'll see if the lessons I've learned thus far are able to produce a new 90cm winner!

 

[Meta]

@MYH where art thou? It's been more than a few days?

 

[momasaurus]

I'm glad you resurrected this topic, as I find the subject fascinating. I'm newer to Hermes scarves and I agree with just about everything you said in your original post. Seeing my own thoughts articulated so well by someone else has really helped me learn to trust my instincts as I start this little journey. For the record, I'm in my 50s (but am told I look much younger) and consider myself a modern/classic dresser.

For my first H scarf, like many I headed straight for the 90cms, but I found my "heart" and "head" in conflict almost from the start. My "head' wanted the most classic Hermes prints and colors but I didn't feel at all like myself in them (nor like Alexa Chung — love that visual!). But when I veered further away and found prints to make my heart sing, I felt almost disappointed and like I wasn't getting the "real" Hermes experience. It was definitely trial-and-error and I actually bought and returned at least two (I remember one was Zenobie) before I finally settled on Tyger Tyger (cw 09). While I do love it and feel like it ticks both the head and heart boxes, I can still see the compromise that I made, since I find it a little less wearable and more fiddly than what I've bought since.

I now have five H scarves (with one on the way), and I've found that both the smaller and larger formats feel more youthful and wearable for my lifestyle. More importantly, I've found greater success defining "classic" in a more universal (rather than Hermes-centric) way. For instance, I love the bandana prints and have two (a 55cm and a brand-new CSGM). I also have a 70cm jacquard plaid in great, electric colors, and a neutral-colored (cw09) Appaloosa des Steppes CSGM, since I find both the geometrical textile and animal prints classic. I'm still not over trying to make the 90cms work, however, and I have a Sports currently en route. We'll see if the lessons I've learned thus far are able to produce a new 90cm winner!

Such a thoughtful post. Thanks for this. Maybe we need to rethink and redefine "classic." What recent designs or CWs might be consider "classic"? And do we need to expand the definition a bit?
Also - I hear you on feeling weird if we are "not getting the real H experience" every time I am attracted to a basically computer-created graphic design (although I love them!). I'm like - this is not artistic! this is not "real" Hermes! LOL. Anyone else?

 

[Belphoebe]

But when I veered further away and found prints to make my heart sing, I felt almost disappointed and like I wasn't getting the "real" Hermes experience. It was definitely trial-and-error and I actually bought and returned at least two (I remember one was Zenobie) before I finally settled on Tyger Tyger (cw 09). While I do love it and feel like it ticks both the head and heart boxes, I can still see the compromise that I made, since I find it a little less wearable and more fiddly than what I've bought since.

I now have five H scarves (with one on the way), and I've found that both the smaller and larger formats feel more youthful and wearable for my lifestyle. More importantly, I've found greater success defining "classic" in a more universal (rather than Hermes-centric) way.

Such a thoughtful post. Thanks for this. Maybe we need to rethink and redefine "classic." What recent designs or CWs might be consider "classic"? And do we need to expand the definition a bit?
Also - I hear you on feeling weird if we are "not getting the real H experience" every time I am attracted to a basically computer-created graphic design (although I love them!). I'm like - this is not artistic! this is not "real" Hermes! LOL. Anyone else?

+1 for the idea of rethinking "classic." I would love to hear people's nominees for possible new classics and expanded definitions of what constitutes "classic H."

And raising my hand for related feelings about the "real" Hermes, though mine surround color. When I first got bit by the H bug, I thought, "Why would anybody ever, ever pay this much for a scarf that did not have this incredible, intricate use of beautiful colors? Those colors are key to 'the H experience'!"

It took me a while to admit that the ones that suit my style best and are most versatile are the ones below. I love them to death, but I would be lying if I said I didn't occasionally think when putting one of these on yet again, "What is wrong with me? Why am I not taking advantage of those colors no one else does so well?"

But I know we're not done yet with MYH's poll, so I'm happy to bookmark the question for later if I'm off topic.

 

[EmileH]

These are beautiful. Twins on l’arte d’ecrire silk.

I do enjoy a variety of designs. I enjoy the intricate designs for their artistry. Most of my intricate designs are rather monochromatic which makes them more wearable for me, though I have a few crazy bright intricate designs that I just love for summer. They take my dark neutral wardrobe into the warm weather.

I prefer simpler designs for my large formats. I find the combination of the simple design and large format so wearable. I do at times think that they are not uniquely Hermes. And I kind of rationalize my scarf purchases as supporting the arts. So I don’t get that added justification. [emoji22] But the quality of the silk and cashmere from Hermes still makes these pieces special imo.

 

[turfnsurf]

+1 for the idea of rethinking "classic." I would love to hear people's nominees for possible new classics and expanded definitions of what constitutes "classic H."

And raising my hand for related feelings about the "real" Hermes, though mine surround color. When I first got bit by the H bug, I thought, "Why would anybody ever, ever pay this much for a scarf that did not have this incredible, intricate use of beautiful colors? Those colors are key to 'the H experience'!"

It took me a while to admit that the ones that suit my style best and are most versatile are the ones below. I love them to death, but I would be lying if I said I didn't occasionally think when putting one of these on yet again, "What is wrong with me? Why am I not taking advantage of those colors no one else does so well?"

But I know we're not done yet with MYH's poll, so I'm happy to bookmark the question for later if I'm off topic.

Simply adore your VIF Argent in that colorway!! Goals...

 

[werner]

My preference is for non-intricate, simple designs so that the pattern and colors stand out, i.e. are intense and obvious, rather than mixed up, like a jigsaw puzzle. For instance, ExLibris, Tigre Royal, Quadridge.

 

[MYH]

Hey everyone!! I’m back. Sorry it took me longer than expected. We are still “under construction” here at our new place and a large custom built-in took up several days of my time. Then my new scarf storage chest arrived. Yes....I will share pics in a little while.

But let’s get back to our scarf poll! So I asked everyone which 90cm scarf they would choose to keep an outfit looking “fresh” and not “frumpy”. And the results were pretty much as I had expected.

Votes:
Colliers de Chiens - 13
Fleurs d’Indiennes - 11
Fleurs de Provence - 0
Chases en Inde - 0

Some people did write in that they would go with Hermes Electrique, Onde de Chic, or a Bandana Print.

In my mind, the CdC and FdI pretty much came in as a tie. The reasons I heard for choosing these two scarves were:
1) Colors are fresh & vibrant
2) Med-large format print
3) Modern, abstract print that gives off a “fun” vibe

I noticed we all backed away from small print and flowers (Fleurs de Provence and Chases en Inde). Although @frou frou , did throw in a twist. She offered up a very bright Fleurs de Provence and described how she would tie it with the tails hanging down her back, and as I imagined this, I did think, yes, that would totally change the look of scarf. So there is yet another layer of complexity in this scarf tying business. Scarf tying....which we will get to.

So if you are a new scarf collector, here is a little food for thought for you! I wished someone had told me these things when I first started. I was basically just taking stabs in the dark. Ugh. For experienced collectors, I think we have all learned through trial and error what works for us and what doesn’t. I had to smile when I read @Bostonjetset response. He would wear a very traditional scarf and print for irony! And you know, I can totally see that is his personality. And yes, everyone can make a scarf their own as @rainneday pointed out, but I think if you’re just starting out and are feeling tentative about your choice when you get to the scarf counter at the boutique, it’s helpful to have a few hints and guidelines to point you in the right direction.

Through the years, I have learned developed the following guidelines for myself:
1) Stay away from small busy prints and flowers
2) Scarves with a lot of gold are not for me
3) Scarves with large borders do not tie well cowboy style - I don’t buy these
4) Scarves with designs that go all the way to the edge with contrast hems are my favorite
5) Stay away from pastels unless there are some bold colors mixed in there as well
6) Big cats, leopard print, tiger print are not for me (I don’t own any pieces of leopard print clothing)
7) Scarves with cartoons don’t work for me (I feel they make me look like I’m trying too hard to be youthful) - this rule is really painful for me because I adore Super H but couldn’t bring myself to buy one
8) 140cm scarves are the size I’m going to use the most
9) 70cms are also easy for me to wear
10) 90cms - ugh - I will make exceptions for ones I adore
11) Mousselines - be really careful - the print here is really important because it’s hard to tie this scarf period.

I’m sure I have more “rules” for myself but these are the ones off the top of my head. I’m curious to hear what rules the more experienced collectors out there have made for themselves?

 

[MYH]

MYH,

Thank you! Mao Mao would be grateful if he knows so many people care about him.

That Astrologie Nouvelle 90 was bought in NYC a few years back. It was re-issued that year in original CWs (3-4 CWs) along with Tiger Royal and Bolduc au Carre, only available for sale in NYC, Tokyo and Paris at the time. Customers could request initials to be embroidered at one corner of these special edition scarves (fees involved). The scarf would then be sent to France, embroidered and sent back to US. I did that, so this is a very special scarf in my collection. I should have also bought Tiger Royal. I still regret today.

I do remember this service at NYC. I actually have one too!! It’s Monsieur et Madame in the brown cw and I do have my initials in the corner.

 

[MYH]

I like the fleurs d’indiennes best for an elegant tonal look. Second choice colliers de chien for a fun pop of color. I have the chase en indie. The outfit is modern and sexy enough to pull off this scarf if tied the right way in part because the colors are low key, but I have to be very careful how I wear this scarf. The pique is my least favorite option. The small print and varied colors are hard to wear. In fact I had this scarf and I sold it because I couldn’t get the image of an old table cloth out of my head.

The scarves that I have that are small prints that I like are all very monochromatic. Like this

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This is an interesting scarf PbP because I actually see it as a medium size print. The larger leaves are outlined quite boldly and to me, it no longer falls in the category of a small busy print.

 

[MYH]

I know I’m years behind, but I just discovered this area of PF. OMGosh, this thread is silky-girl fan-(non)fiction!

Thanks for joining us!!