BUYERS GUIDE HERMÈ S SCAR VE S
The fact that many designs are reissued in different colourways years after the original release can also cause confusion as to whether or not you’re looking at a first issue or even a genuine product, so it is often wise to send a letter to the Hermès Cultural Patrimony in Paris or to consult a recognised expert in order to determine which colour combinations were in fact issued.
The early creations really captured the more traditional Hermès images of French military, hunting, horses and so on, whereas the designs became far more contemporary in later years and the colours a little less subtle. They are wonderful things to collect for a variety of reasons: with prices starting from around £150 for a vintage example they are not excessively expensive to buy, they are easy to store and, best of all, you can actually use them. If you do get caught by the silk bug however expect to pay in excess of £1000 for a rare, mint example. Many scarves just live in a box as hardened collectors think they are too beautiful to actually use, the result, well there are literally thousands of vintage pieces out there in pristine condition.
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hundreds of carrés for sale on eBay, sadly many of which are counterfeit. Usually, a copy can be spotted by the poor quality of its hand-rolled edge: on the genuine article this will be arrow-straight and beautifully finished. Care labels are also good pointers to authenticity which should only be in French or English, positioned only in the corners and, on pre-2002 scarves, the lettering should only be black on a white background
One of the most creative designers was Hugo Grygkar who worked with the company from 1946 up until 1959. Because he was an ‘original’, carrés designed by him are extremely collectable, yet there are still plenty of unused examples in circulation. Many other artists have been called upon to produce carré designs over the decades, some of whom have worked with Hermès on a long-term basis and some who have been involved in only one or two projects. Among the most highly regarded are Philippe Ledoux, Pierre Peron, Françoise de la Perrière and the Texan Kermit Oliver.
These stunning squares of colour have been heavily imitated but never bettered and for collectors they remain a safe investment. As with the numerous accessories that women use, the scarf adds a touch of flair and enhances an outfit. In fact, the right scarf draped correctly can change an entire outfit. The beauty and sheen of vintage silks is timeless as seen in the beautifully crafted silk scarves of the bygone eras.
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