All The Carré IN THE WORLD

As Hermès readies itself for a special celebration of its iconic scarves this month, BAZAAR talks to the Maison's go-to silk expert to better understand the limitless styling potential of this iconic piece of fabric.

- BY ABDUL AZIZ DRAIM

Throughout history, there’s no other silk scarf more iconic than the Hermès silk scarf. Originally created in 1937, the Hermès silk scarf has become a celebrated style object, manipulated in various ways to suit the personal style of its wearer. From fashion circles and society shindigs, to pop culture's far-reaching spectrum, Hermès silk has been tied (pun not intended) to some of the world’s most influential men and women, favoured by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Luciano Pavorotti, Jude Law, and Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. Queen Elizabeth II was regularly photographed wearing a Hermès carré as a headscarf, one image of which was even immortalised on a postage stamp celebrating her 60th birthday in 1986. Perhaps the most creative use of the fabric in recorded history, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco wore a Hermès carré as a sling for her broken arm in 1957.

As far as styling goes, the Hermès silk scarf can be worn on the person as a bandana, blouse, belt, bowtie, cravat, hair tie, head wrap, or wrist wrap. Even when worn as an actual scarf, its application is never straightforward because the styling possibilities are infinite—as a shawl, or a bib perhaps? How about with a Parisian knot or secured with a brooch for added personality? Let’s not forget the scarf’s popular use as an elegant flourish to adorn one's bag.

But seeing as its styling potential knows no limit, how should one start? In an exclusive interview, BAZAAR talks to Cecile Pesce, creative director of women's silk at Hermès, to delve deeper into the charm, beauty and influence of this very versatile piece of fabric.

Hermès silk scarves have been iconic since their inception in 1937. How do you adapt such a storied piece to resonate with modern style sensibilities?