Rise and shine
R for Rings
They allow you to tie and style the scarf in a hundred different ways. Think of them as jewellery for carrés.
S for Singapore
From October 19 to 21, our little island will play host to Hermès Carré Club, the first of its kind in Asia. Located at 3 Ladyhill Road, the free-spirited exploration-based exhibition conceived by Bali Barret is open from 11am to 8pm, when you get to experience the beloved silk square’s magical harmony of heart and heritage. Tip: There will be special-edition merchandise to commemorate the event.
T for Twillon
Something new in the Hermès Carré family: Meet the Twillon, made from this season’s scarves and lined with plain twill. At 193cm, it is five times longer than the Twilly, which originated in 2004 as a ribbon you can tie around the neck, wrist, or bag handle.
U for UV Light
In the process of silk-screen printing, a film of polyester gauze (intended for one colour) is stretched on a frame of metal chassis. Coated with a layer of photosensitive gelatine, the gauze is exposed to strong UV light that hardens the gelatine, preventing colour from passing through except in the chosen areas relating to the design.
V for Visit
At Hermès, no defect is tolerated. Quality of the carrés is rigorously checked at every stage of production, known as the “visit”.
W for Wash
A new evolution of Hermès Carré 90 x 90cm has been relaunched as the Wash Carré. Each piece goes through an exclusive sequence of treatments that involves a soak-and-wash process to soften and transform the twill into a velvety piece that gains a unique patina with an extraordinary downy touch. Go ahead and wear your favourite every day — this rendition is machine-washable.
Y for You
Hermès always has a carré for you. Perhaps Leïla Menchari, director of window panels for 24, faubourg Saint-honoré and director of the Colour Panel, explains it best.
“Colour is an evocation, scent, even make-up for the face of the woman who wears a carré. Our palette has to be extremely varied to suit any woman, whether she has brown, red or blonde hair and depending on her complexion — the scarf changes its style from one ambience to another.”
X for X-periment
Despite its square form, the carré is not restricted in creativity. Apart from playing with different ways to wear it, Hermès’ imaginative minds have often taken liberties with its shape, size and material. The Plissé was the first to diverge from the classic formula in 1980, creating a “moving” kaleidoscope effect by pleating the scarf. Other innovations include the waterproof Eva carré in coated silk, and the perfumed Flacons that gives off the delicate fragrance of Calèche via micro-encapsulation.
Z for Zulu
Baobab flowers open at dusk, the time when the leopard ventures out in search of its prey. On the Ardmore Artists’ Baobab Cat carré, a michievous leopard appears in the heart of the bloom. The majestic cat represents the noble Zulu kings, while the flower, power and grace .