Tuesday 23 April 2013

4 in 1 Hermes Scarf, the Galop Chromatique

Hermes scarves - it doesn't really need an introduction does it?

It is an item quite entrenched in fashion iconography and history. Hermes silk scarves are one of the few fashion items that even the Queen indulges in. 

Via smh.com.au

It may have had a certain reputation of being very and possibly overly elegant.  It definitely has gone through a revival and is now also seen worn by teenagers with the success of the J'aime mon carre campaigns Hermes had a few years ago.  In France, it seems that almost every French woman owns at least one Hermes scarf.


As I am a lazy dresser, I rely on them more and more.  I have my wardrobe staples of simple and one block colored tops and bottoms and cut through the monotony with Hermes scarves.

I really do want to think less of what I have to wear and this saves me so much time and energy.

But I also appreciate the beauty and quality involved in the manufacturing of the scarves.
It is one of the last "mass produced" artisan products available.
It takes 250 cocoons to produce the silk for one scarf.  
The design on the scarf is drawn by specific illustrators and special guest artists but the coloring is done specifically and solely by colorists.  Even the designer doesn't get to see the final end product color choices until the scarf is released and printed in Lyon, France.  It takes 40 minutes alone for one specialized seamstress to hand sew the edges of the scarf.

Yes, it does cost £ 280 for one 90 by 90 cm ( 36 by 36 inch ) silk scarf but it can be worn in so many different ways: 
Neck scarf, shrug, shirt, belt, hair scarf, to name a few.  
But if you do keep them long enough, 
you could always resell them on eBay for about almost the same amount that you bought them for in some cases!

I like to speak to the scarf specialists at the Hermes stores as they are properly trained and they can give great ideas and instructions on how to get the best use out of them.

But there are some great blogs out there who have amazing knowledge to rival some Hermes scarf experts.

I love MaiTai from Mai Tai's Picture Book,  Iris J at Hymne aux carres, and Codex Costinianus.

I think they each give their own twist on knowledge and how to wear scarves.  If you like scarves of any kind and brand then I urge you to visit them and have a look.
There are so many ways to choose a scarf.  
There have been numerous times I went to the boutique thinking 
I was definitely going to buy a certain style but 
left with something completely unexpected.  
I can not emphasize enough how important it is to try it on.  
But I wanted to share with you one of my more successful scarves in my collection that hit the mark in color, style and usability.

This particular scarf below is my recent favourite of this past year's collection.  It is from the autumn/winter 2012 collection and called Galop Chromatique.  There really is a science in choosing a scarf.   Ideally, one should get 'em all but when there is a budget there are two things one should consider when choosing.
Mr CSW kindly holding up the scarf.
Same scarf, different camera setting,
 Hermes 90 cm Galop Chromatique in colorway 5 
from Autumn Winter 2012

One is the axis which shows how the scarf will be seen when tied up in the most common of knots.  The section in between the two black lines is called the axis.
Via hermes.com
Axis one - going from upper left to bottom right of scarf.
Axis two - going from bottom left to upper right of the scarf.
This shows that this scarf has two different linear scarf tones.

But for me the corners are even more important as they are the 
ends that show in the cowboy knot.  
Via hermes.com

I use the cowboy knot a lot as it is the easiest as you can do it with no mirror and takes no skill! 
 I have worn this coat for months on end...
But the four different corners allows me to wear it with so many different color palettes in any wardrobe.

Corner 1 is purples with a splash of yellowy gold.


Corner 2 is beige and lavender-y grey.


Corner 3 is a mix of grey, khaki, cherry red, and violet.


 Corner 4 has different shades of red and pink with 
a balance of various taupes.

I do hope next time you are choosing any scarf that you don't get overwhelmed by the various colors and designs and 
you might consider these other little aspects to help you.

I must say that out of all my scarves, 
this one isn't the prettiest but it is definitely 
the most versatile and I wish I could buy a back up!!

61 comments:

  1. Great post! Love a Hermes scarf, although I own only 1 myself so far.... but couldn't agree more with you about the overall design being slightly irrelevant over how it folds on the bias a lot of the time (depending on the knot you use). The Gallop you have is amazing - so beautiful and I love the kaleidoscopic colours. Haven't read any of the other blogs, other than Mai Tai... shall have to go and have a look. I have been wearing mine a lot as a head scarf (on the bias and tied headband style, not like the Queens) and always am told I'm looking very "European" when out and about. It certainly lifts a boring jeans and shirt combo. xx

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    1. I wish I could make it into cushions...But I do think that it makes someone look like they made some sort of effort even though it is just tying some fabric when you get down to it. As you are slim, you could wear it as a top with capris and I think it would really work on you. Would love to see you model yours one day xx

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  2. I never really thought about this axis thing ( my grasp of technicalities is unrivalled, I know). I don't own any Hermes scarves but I think this one is beautiful. I've seen Mai Tai's blog and she is like a scarf-tying Ninja. Mai Tai! - why couldn't my parents have named me after a cocktail?

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    1. I think you should invent your own cocktail Sulky - I can see myself ordering a Sulky Kitten -it has a good ring to it. I'm sure it would be quite potent as well...

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    2. Ha Heidi - too true. The sulky kitten would have a slight sweetness to begin with followed by some bitters and it would knock you for six!!

      Oh yes, Maitai is the Martha Stewart of scarves. Could you imagine a scarf tying contest with her? She truly would be a ninja.

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    3. And to think I was wondering what to do with the rest of my life...rescue orphaned kittens? hug trees? kidnap & molest Rafael Nadal? NO! I will now make it my life's mission to create a cocktail with my own fair (fur?) paws!

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    4. Sulky, I figure your cocktail would be with a twist, on the rocks, and no umbrella to use as a shield :p

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    5. Kidnap & molest Rafael Nadal - now that sounds like a perfect life mission.:D

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    6. Ok - I have our cocktail started! Though Sulky Cat is a white Pussy... we begin with "Black Cat" white rum liquor. They even have one with limon.

      I prefer (if we're voting) a savory cocktail like a gin & basel martini. If I am in the mood for a mojito I use very little simple syrup.

      Who wants to take this recipe to the next step? Cheers!

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    7. Oh my! The pressure sure is on for Sulky - is she getting the next round??

      Gin and basel martini sounds lush Linda!

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  3. That's an absolutely beautiful design, I just can't wear Hermes scarves yet, they make me feel so old lady, I got rid of mine and kept one.

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    1. Thank you - but I think you could totally wear one as a hair tie or headband with your espadrilles and that white crochet dress in the summer! Old lady would be the last thing on anyone's mind...

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    2. Agree with CSW Tabitha - could you please tell me which Op Shop you dump your mother's Herend and your Hermes at? I'll make a special trip over to Scotland to have a little rifle through next time you do a purge! xx

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    3. I'll fight Heidi for your hand-me-downs, Tabs!

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    4. Guys, just to warn you that I do have a red belt in taekwondo and am bigger than you both!! hehe.

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  4. I think I need to lose my Hermes scarf virginity....
    Beautiful scarf,and I had no idea about the axis etc, so thanks for the explanation and pics. It's truly a thing of beauty, that scarf.
    I have a large scarf collection, but the poshest I run to is Jenny Kee.
    I might put a Hermès scarf down on my list of things to save for when I next go back to the old country.

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    1. I have to try Jenny Kee - I did go to her website after I saw in on you but I don't think they have a distributor here. Would like to feel the silk. I don't want to promote any excess consumerism but they really do last and most do end up collectors items. There is a scarf that on the resale market can reach about a thousand pounds so if you choose well and keep it in a good condition they can end up a lovely heirloom as well.

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  5. Wow a Hermes scarf, I've never had the opportunity to get my hands on one of those, and they've never actually been on my wish-list strangely enough, however a Hermes belt, now that is on my lust after list!

    I love the detail in your scarf Naomi. Last year I actually went to a place called Beckford Silk, where they have all these beautifully UK crafted scarves on display in all different types of silk (e.g. twill, chiffon, dupion -I don't have a favourite, I think it depends on the item) and they also had a workshop open to visitors where you could see how the whole process takes place from design to shop floor. It really was fascinating and does make you appreciate a good quality scarf, however I didn't come away thinking there was a science to choosing a scarf until I read through this post lol. I can't believe they have scarf specialists at Hermes to guide you on how to wear a scarf!! Who knew.......

    I love the idea of the different corners on your scarf making it versatile enough to wear with different colour outfits - great design idea, I wonder if it was intentional? of course it would be!

    Thanks for the blog recommendations, I will have to check them out and see what their tips are for wearing scarves with skulls graphically woven on -I have two of those!! xx

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    1. Hey Colleen, I think you would pull it off rather well!

      It is also very fashiony and you can drape as a shirt with boyfriend jeans. I see some teenagers really make it trendy as opposed to the way the Queen wears it.

      But not all scarves have the versatility and the color spectrum of this scarf which is why I chose it. Some scarves can be unilaterally worn and I love flexibility on my accessories.

      I think you should definitely try wearing your skull scarves in a new way that you would not have though otherwise! xx

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    2. I do like how your scarf is folded as axis 2 - it's given me the idea of wearing it almost like a tie (the shape at the bottom); mixing it up with a bit of androgyny maybe....leave this one with me hhhmmm

      I love the idea of wearing a scarf as a head scarf too - some days i'm far too lazy to do my hair so that would work perfectly! loving how Beeswonderland has done it in one of her latest posts: http://www.beeswonderland.com/2013/04/turban.html#more

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    3. yes you can wear it as a tie as well. but do check out the websites as they give great ideas and Maitai actually does tutorials and video lessons on how to tie them.

      checked out beeswonderland and she made it look funky for sure!

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  6. Wow your gallop is fabulous. Gorgeous! I love scarves too. There is a certain size (large square)that drapes just right n looks so chic. And silk isn't too hot. W shorter rectangular scarves I tie one corner with a diagonal corner and it creates kind of an infinity loop with flounce.

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    1. I need to try that Robyn...I will see if I get a flounce if not I may request a photo! :)

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  7. I liked the J'aime mon carré campaign too. Your scarf is so versatile - really several scarves in one with the different coloured sections. I regularly visit Anne's 'Playing with Scarves' - great blog.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thanks miss B, Anne is very knowledgeable indeed!

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  8. Gonna go whip mine out & try it!
    xo,
    Kelly

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  9. Loved this. Your scarf is so gorgeous. I love how versatile it will be. Your really making me want a Hermes scarf now...I had no idea of how much work goes into one.

    xx
    Kim

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    1. Hi Kim Oh yes, apparently it takes about 400 hours from start to finish in all aspects of design for the one scarf!
      But I do think using this tip about the fall of scarves might serve you well in any store! xx

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  10. What a beautiful hommage to Hermès scarves, dear CSW! Between your pictures and those of the Queen, you have demonstrated so well their enormous versatility. The Galop Chromatique is a beautiful choice (it is my favorite CW too), and you look fabulous wearing it. Thank you also for the kind mention! Have a wonderful remaining week xx

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    1. Hello MaiTai, so kind of you to drop by. I couldn't write about Hermes and not mention you! Have a great week and I am enjoying seeing people wear their various scarf rings - one day perhaps I might be brave enough to send in pictures of my scarf rings worn! Have a great week x

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    2. I would love to include your pictures in one of the next collages, dear CSW! Enjoy a wonderful weekend x

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    3. Oh gosh MaiTai, I am so used to seeing all the others but let me lose a little weight first LOL! I must start thinking now which one of your lovely scarf rings I might wear...:) xx

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  11. I just love Hermes scarves! I often put them as a belt, or in my hair on the beach...
    It can be so chic if you know how to wear it :-)
    Thanks for this article!
    kisses my dear!

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    1. Yes, I do like them but almost more as a work of art - I am thinking of framing one in fact! xx

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  12. Aha! So here you are. :) Thanks for stopping by and I am now your newest follower--hooray! And am happy to see plenty of familiar faces in the comments section to boot.

    Me loves me Hermes. I have three--two foulards and a carrĂ©. The carrĂ© is one of my favorite things I own--lemme explain. I bought it on ebay for 50€ because it had a hole in one corner, which was fine with me because I knew that I was going to trash it! That was when I was working a ton as a travel writer and I took that sucker with me all over the world!!

    Speaking of travelling, I need to figure out why you were/are in Siem Reap--I did a story there and LOVED it...Just do everything in the absolute opposite order of what you are told--Bayon at sunrise for example and you will have the place to yourself.

    Best from Arles,
    Heather

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    1. Bienvenue Heather! I wish I was more adept at ebay and could nab a bargain... Travel writer? and photographer right? I did go to Siem Reap - but as a civilian and member of the public. No badges of any sort. Will go back and see if you have a link to the story. I would love to compare and see what I didn't manage to see my recent trip. All the best, Naomi

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    2. Hello again, Naomi. Nope there isn't a link on my blog as my honey, Remi, was the photographer for that story. I just wrote it--it was for a special issue of a French magazine called Grands Reportages about World Heritage sites that are in peril.

      And no special badges are needed, like I said just do the exact opposite of what you are told to do in the guide books. That and get up to be there as SOON as they open for sunrise. I know! But it is perfect, then you rush back to your hotel just in time for the end of breakfast, then rest as it is far too hot to go out until the end of the afternoon...I'd be curious to hear how Siem Reap itself has grown. It was quite hipster when I was there in .......2006? I think.

      Here is a link to some of Remi's photos if you are so inclined:
      http://www.remibenali.com/world_heritage-angkor/
      Bon Weekend!

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    3. Thank you so much I will definitely check it out - Have a lovely weekend as well!

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    4. Hellooo Naomi. I hope that you are not having this cold gray rain today too wherever you may be. I am making soup. :)

      And I would be totally happy to send you the English language version of the article if you would be so kind to send me your email address at robinsonheather@yahoo.com. Unfortunately, I can't directly get your off of your profile because I don't use my Mac Mail...

      That area is SO amazing. I would love to go back and happy to share what I learned...

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  13. Fabulous scarf. I love the axis versatility. I have several...all were gifts and not one my own choosing, yet they all work for me. I've not become a fan of scarf rings but love to discover different tying techniques!

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    1. Thank you - I now tend not to get any if they don't have versatility - that is for most things infact. Scarf rings really help me not fiddle with my scarf - I was initially like you but not I wear it as a fastener so it doesn't distract me and also you can use it as a belt buckle of sorts! MaiTai does tutorials so it is super user friendly.

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  14. very surprinsingly, I like this rainbow of life ! it s definately going to help you mahe any outfit "sunny"
    http://www.melolimparfaite.com/

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    1. Thanks Melo - it really is a useful one as well plus it keeps me warm when it suddenly turns cold! :)

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  15. I think a lovely silk scarf could certainly be a perfect, luxurious stand in for my summer fedora. Afterall, they both fix a bad hair day in a flash.
    I'm in!
    xx, Heather

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    1. Oh yes - they really do hide a bad hair day and you can tie it around the hat as well! xx

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  16. Wow. I really never thought about the complexity of a scarf, They really are much more versatile than I realized! Maybe I should try out a nice scarf one day...

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    1. Hi Danie, they really are very versatile - especially when you realize that you can be creative and wear them as shirts even - I bet you could find some new ways using your artistic side xx

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  17. I've never been a scarf person, probably more the opposite, but I do think they're very stylish so I have no clue why I keep away from them... I definitely like the print on this one AND the colors too!!

    P.S.: Ha, we can see a glimpse of you in one of the photos! Cool.:)

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    1. Hey Peet, I never used to be but I am so boring wardrobe now that I just need something to jazz up an other wise boring and systematic outfit. It also adds color and I like things that have been through many hands. Yes you did see some skin hehe ;p

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  18. I am lucky enough to have a few - 5 to be exact!!... but then I'm older than most of you gals!! I love my scarves and they are certainly timeless. Can you believe that I actually threw away a couple of boxes once. Now, I am scrounging to find a couple more so that all of them can lie neatly inside their own box!. Hermes scarves are the essence of glamour! xxx

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    1. Lucky you Jenny, but I can believe it because I used to do that as well! But no longer...Just make sure it is acid free tissue paper and it should be ok but it does make me feel pulled together even when I just wear it with jeans and a shirt. xx

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  19. This is absolutely fascinating. That lovely scarf can transform into so many different styles. It really adds a classy touch to an outfit. I am following you now!

    May the force be with you.
    Emily

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    1. Hi Emily, very kind of you.
      The process is so interesting for me as well! As it takes about on average 400 hours from idea to production, I think I viscerally love all the people that were involved in the making of it.
      I need some force so thank you!

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  20. Wow your scarves is fabulous. Gorgeous! I love scarves too. There is a certain size (large square)that drapes just right n looks so chic.
    sciarpe

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    1. Thank you! The 90cm squares are the most versatile for sure!

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  21. Great tips! I have a black and white spotted scarf just like yours đŸ™‚ I’ve been wearing my silk scarves as hair accessories – headscarfs, bows and bandanas!

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Thank you for dropping by!