The History and Craftsmanship of the Hermès Silk Scarf

Few fashion pieces capture the imagination quite like a Hermès scarf. From the first sketch to the final hand-rolled edge, these scarves are the intersection of art, craft, and cultural history. A rare object that moves seamlessly between fashion, storytelling, and collectability.

The story begins in 1937, when Hermès introduced the carré, a small square of silk printed with intricate, often fantastical designs. At the time, Hermès was already renowned for its leatherwork, producing saddles, harnesses, and other equestrian essentials. The leap from leather to silk may have seemed unusual, but the company applied the same principles of precision, attention to detail, and a focus on objects built to last.

Each scarf begins with an artist. Over the decades, Hermès has collaborated with illustrators, painters, and designers whose work often draws from history, mythology, nature, and travel. Henri d’Origny, one of Hermès’ most prolific contributors, transformed everyday objects into visually complex compositions. Other artists have mined topics as varied as celestial charts, oceanic exploration, and ancient folklore. Each design is a meticulous study in color, composition, and storytelling. Each wearer interprets the piece differently, but the scarf’s visual storytelling remains constant, offering new discoveries every fold and twist.

From One Hand to Another

What makes Hermès scarves particularly compelling today is their secondhand life. What Goes Around Comes Around allows collectors and enthusiasts to explore scarves that are rare, discontinued, or vintage pieces that can be decades old yet still vibrant. Each scarf purchased through What Goes Around Comes Around carries the imprint of its previous life. It might have been worn to a gala in Paris, traveled on a European train, or carefully preserved in a drawer for decades. Owning one of these scarves is a way of participating in its story, continuing a narrative that began long before it arrived in your hands. Our meticulous authentication process ensures that every piece is genuine, giving buyers confidence that they are investing not just in silk, but in history.

Rare designs can be the most captivating. Consider Brides Et Destin, an intricate homage to Hermès’ equestrian heritage, or New Orleans, a lively celebration of the city’s vibrant jazz culture. These pieces are collectible not merely for their aesthetic appeal but for the historical context they carry. Each design is a snapshot of the artist’s vision and the cultural moment in which it was created. Scarves are, in a sense, wearable archives, capable of capturing the past while remaining relevant to the present.

Buying Hermès from WGACA opens the door to discovery. Vintage scarves offer designs that no longer exist, colors that are no longer produced, and patterns that feel entirely unique in a world of mass production. For collectors, this is not just shopping, it is exploration, curation, and connection. A scarf that once traveled across continents can now become part of your wardrobe, adding texture, narrative, and personality to everything from a simple coat to a casual outfit.

Ultimately, a pre-loved scarf from Hermès is more than an accessory. It is a work of art that moves, folds, and interacts with its environment. It is a story in silk, carrying the labor of artists, printers, and previous owners. And when purchased from a trusted source like What Goes Around Comes Around, it is a story you are invited to continue. Every scarf is a tangible piece of design history, offering a rare combination of artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.

For those seeking more than fashion, those who want an object that can be studied, worn, collected, and cherished, Hermès scarves are unparalleled. They are rare, thoughtful, and alive. And the journey doesn’t end when they leave the Hermès workshop: it continues in your hands, tied around your wrist, draped across a bag, or folded neatly for the next chapter.

Scarves That Speak for Themselves

Pre-Loved Hermès Black & Multicolor 'Balade Ecossaise' Silk Scarf 90

Rooted in the storied beginnings of Hermès, Balade Ecossaise is a lyrical homage to the house’s equestrian origins, tracing back to 1837 when Thierry Hermès first established his Paris atelier dedicated to the finest harnesses and saddlery. This particular composition by Florence Manlik exemplifies her distinctive approach: intricate, architectural, and richly imagined. An Austrian-born artist who began collaborating with the house in the 1990s, Manlik is celebrated for her meticulous line work and layered storytelling, often drawing from history, travel, and decorative arts. Here, she transforms a classic carriage motif into a graphic tableau that feels both timeless and theatrical, capturing the romance of the maison’s heritage while reaffirming the scarf’s place as a collectible work of art.

Pre-Loved Hermès Black & Multicolor 'Cavaliers des Nuages' Silk Scarf 90

This Hermès scarf, Cavaliers Des Nuages, is a testament to the imaginative vision of Jean-Christophe Donnadieu, an artist whose work blurs the line between illustration and fine art. Donnadieu’s journey began in the ateliers of France, where he cultivated a mastery of line, color, and composition, later translating these skills into commissioned works for editorial and luxury brands. His approach is both playful and meticulous, transforming ordinary motifs into intricate narratives that invite close observation. The design turns the scarf into more than a fashion accessory, it becomes a storytelling canvas, a reflection of his artistic curiosity, and a vibrant dialogue between tradition and contemporary creativity.

Pre-Loved Hermès Multicolor 'Brides de Gala' Silk Scarf 90

This Hermès scarf celebrates one of the house’s most enduring designs, Brides de Gala, created by Hugo Grygkar in 1957. Grygkar, who joined Hermès shortly after World War II, was instrumental in shaping the brand’s signature aesthetic, transforming equestrian equipment into intricate, elegant patterns that could be worn as art. The Brides de Gala motif, inspired by the bridles and tack of the aristocratic horse-riding tradition, quickly became a symbol of Hermès’ deep connection to its heritage. Owning this scarf is not just about style, it’s about carrying a piece of Hermès’ storied history and Grygkar’s visionary artistry.

Pre-Loved Hermès Burgundy & Multicolor 'Jonques et Sampans' Silk Scarf 90

Few designers have shaped the world of Hermès scarves like Françoise de la Perrière, whose work from the 1950s onward turns each piece into a story waiting to be discovered. Her imagination draws on the elegance of equestrian traditions, the intrigue of distant lands, and the refinement of French decorative arts, creating compositions that are at once intricate, playful, and timeless. Owning a piece by de la Perrière is to hold a fragment of fashion history, a wearable testament to an artist who transformed the scarf into a canvas for narrative.




Own a Piece of Hermès History

At What Goes Around Comes Around, each Hermès scarf is a chapter of design history, a work of art, and a vessel of stories waiting to continue. From the hands of master artisans to yours, these scarves carry the imprint of imagination, travel, and timeless craftsmanship. Explore our collection of rare and pre-loved treasures and allow yourself to be part of a living legacy. Shop today and let an Hermès scarf transform not just your wardrobe, but the way you inhabit the world.








Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When did Hermès first introduce its silk scarves?

Hermès introduced its first silk carré in 1937. The brand, already known for its equestrian leather goods, applied the same craftsmanship and precision to silk, creating what would become one of the most iconic accessories in fashion history.

2. Where is the best place to find authentic vintage Hermès scarves?

Trusted luxury resellers like What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) offer curated selections of authentic vintage and rare Hermès scarves.

3. Why do Hermès scarves appeal to collectors?

Hermès scarves are released in limited runs, and many designs are discontinued. Rare prints, vintage editions, and historically significant motifs can become highly sought after, making them desirable to collectors worldwide.

4. What makes vintage Hermès scarves especially desirable?

Vintage scarves offer discontinued designs, rare colorways, and unique historical context. They often feel distinct in today’s fashion landscape and carry a sense of individuality and story.

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