Why a Vintage Hermes Scarf?

For many people, the term “Hermes” is synonymous with silk scarves. This French designer has long been the standard in silk scarves, and their vintage scarves from the 1900s offer classic style. Whether you collect vintage scarves or are captivated by Hermes' elaborate designs, learn more about the history behind the company and their iconic scarves.

About Hermes Scarves

Before it became known for luxury goods, Hermes was a French harness and saddle company. Only in the 1900s did they begin to expand into fashion, with the first silk scarf made in 1937. Their scarves were called carres, meaning “square” in French in reference to their shape.

Each vintage Hermes scarf was made entirely in-house. Hermes used raw silk to spin their own yarn, which they then wove into fabric. An elaborate, unique design by a Hermes designer is then screen printed onto the fabric.

What Makes These Scarves So Valuable?

Anyone looking to collect antique Hermes scarves will soon notice their cost. This is due to a few factors:

• Quality - When Hermes first debuted their scarves, the silk was twice as strong as any other on the market. Their attention to detail and quality persisted through the decades.
• Screen Printing - The screen printing process layers each color onto the scarf’s surface one at a time. With up to 150 colors on a single scarf, this can take extensive time.
• Limited Editions - Most Hermes scarves are produced in limited quantities to help maintain the values of individual designs.

For vintage scarves, the quality of the individual item will also impact the price. Those that are stain free and come in the original box will be worth more than scarves with tears, stains, or obvious wear.

How to Spot a Fake Hermes Scarf

Like any designer label, dishonest sellers may try to pass off fake Hermes scarves as authentic pieces. Today’s digital printing has made it even harder to differentiate the fakes from the real scarves, but there are ways to tell you have an authentic Hermes scarf:

• Hand-rolled hem that goes towards the more vibrant side of the scarf and has perfectly matching thread.
• Jacquard silk (which has a slightly raised texture) will only be present in a real Hermes scarf.
• Copyright printed on the scarf reading © Hermès.
• The size must be 90cm x 90cm, 60cm x 60cm, or 40cm x 40cm.
• Designer’s signature on scarves printed during the 80s and later.

There are also high quality silk scarves from other designers, but if the seller is advertising the scarf as Hermes, it might be a fake.

Examples of Antique Hermes Scarves

We currently have three beautiful vintage Hermes scarves in our collection at Marple Antiques:

• Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident from 1988
• Etriers from 1964
• Brides de Cour from 1969

These scarves have all of the vibrant colours, intricate details, and luxurious silk that sets Hermes scarves apart. Add one of these vintage scarves to your wardrobe, or browse through our selection of designer vintage scarves at Marple Antiques and Collectibles.