Hermes was founded in 1837 by saddle maker Thierry Hermes It specialized in saddles and leathergoods during the early years. The World renowned Hermes scarves were introduced to the Hermes collection in the 1930s and have since become a favorite of the world’s fashion elite, including many members of the royal families.

THE HERMES SCARF - First introduced in the 1930’s. As glamorous and luxurious as a fashion accessories can get. It takes a studio of 20 freelance designers about 2 years to complete a Hermes scarf from design concept, engraving and printing to the hand finishing process. Every scarf tells a unique story. Utilizing a palette of more than 50,000 colors is used exclusively by Hermès to achieve the greatest detail possible and the artist often personally signs the scarves.

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Containing 65 grams of silk from 250 cocoons, 90 centimetres square, the Hermès scarf has become a standard for good workmanship and discreet luxury. It requiring up to two years of work to produce one of these wearable art that is an expression of its style and luxury.

Founded in 1837 by harness-maker Thierry Hermès, Hermès made harnesses and saddles for a privileged clientele. In 1920, his grandson Emile included luggage. Boots, jewelry, home decor items,watches, and silk scarves were added to the company’s range over the years.

The first scarf square to accompany the Hermès collection was produced in 1928, inspired by that worn by Napolean’s soldiers. It was a big success that resulted in a workshop, then a factory, for scarf production being set up at Lyon in 1937.

The History of Lyons Silk
The Chinese were responsible for developing the silk process. It came to Europe in the early sixth century. Firstly to Constantinople, then spreading to Greece, through Italy and into Spain. In France, Lyon set up looms in 1450 and Tours followed in 1470.

By the 1930s, Italy was the largest silk producing country in Europe, while France took second place. Lyon, located 462 KM from Paris and the
Hermes headquarters, was at the heart of the French industry. Today, silk production in Lyon, where Hermes still has its manufacturing facility, is less significant.

The First Hermes Scarf
Hermes followed on the success of the new textiles and innovative designs by introducing the first of its Hermes scarves in 1937, in conjunction with its 100th anniversary. With the Japanese attacking major Chinese
cities the same year, and the start of World War II in 1939 bringing shortages and a make do and mend attitude, this might not have been viewed as a prudent commercial move.

The original Hermes scarf was called “Jeu des Dames Blanches” and its creative design captured much of the symbolism and history of both Hermes and France, its country of origin. The omnibus first came into use in Paris in March 1662, following an edict
by Louis XIV, but they were quickly withdrawn. The omnibus was relaunched in 1827, exactly 110 years before Hermes introduced its design. London saw its first omnibus in 1829 and New York in 1830.

The early European omnibuses were pulled by three horses abreast, but the later ones, as featured on the scarf, were pulled by only two.
The main French manufacturer of omnibuses in the 19th Century was Dames Blanches, and the company had given its name to a popular board game of
the period. The centre of the scarf features these 19th century game players, dressed in the fashion of the period and in deep concentration
for this social game.

At the time of the Hermes scarf launch, the working horse had declined in popularity. Ownership of motor cars was increasing, the speed limit in
England had been increased in 1930 from 20 to 30 miles an hour, and in September 1937 The Times reported that the first motor trolley-bus had
left Wandsworth for Battersea, replacing the tram.

The simple, first design was a superb positioning statement for Hermes. By association, the Hermes tradition of saddle and harness making, its
passion for horses, the luxury of royalty, its Parisian connection, its concern for the environment, and its place in history, all come to the
fore. The Hermes scarf designs continue to speak for themselves.

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