It is previously believed that silk scarves only belong around the necks of wealthy, middle-aged women. However this was prior to experiencing Hermes spring/summer 2002 show, which immediately changed my notions about the scarf.
The show was held at the Shanghai restaurant The Door. Designed to encapsulate the mystery and splendour of a temple, its low lights, lavish decor, including an enormous golden Buddha which inconspicuously gazed down on the show, and dark wooden floors create a enchanting, Eastern ambiance.
Actually, Hermes is not a new brand in Europe. Founded in 1837 in France, Hermes first presented its scarf collection in 1937, featuring its colourful palette. If you have watched the film The Princess Diaries, you may remember the scarf the queen presented to the young princess is Hermes.
The theme of Hermes 2002 is hands and legend. There are a total of 13 new designs.
The beautiful colours hit the audience instantly. A whirlwind of smooth, rich reds, fiery orange with gold blazed out. Cool aqua marine blue entwined with canary yellow and feisty pink in intricate patterns and finely detailed paintings were printed onto the scarves. Youthful versatility was the main message projected by the colourful scarves.
Models wore simple, basic clothes in neutral tones, which enhanced the vivid colours of the scarves they wore in a multitude of ways. Just one scarf transformed the simplest outfit, injecting it with colour. Scarves were worn in a bandana style around the head or casually tied in the hair. Worn with jeans they doubled up as either a belt or for the more adventurous a skimpy top. Meticulously arranged the scarves took many different identities in halterneck, bra top, exposing the midriff, or around the shoulder in an asymmetric style. An easily recreated look for a long, hot summer.
Complimenting his Chinese venue, Hermes drew inspiration for his designs from the Eastern sources such as Tibet and "The floating market of Lake Inle". There was also a strong ridding theme incorporated into the show giving a classic county feel to his designs, while carrying a great Chinese significance as it is Year of the Horse. The French designer also expressed a fascination for Indian culture, as he heightened the possible ways to wear his scarves by skillfully arranging them around his models in a sari style. An acute eye would also see elaborate Henna designs printed onto the silk.
The show was fast and energetic, successfully creating a new, stylish outlook for Hermes silk scarves. Sophisticated and eyecatching, the designs are ideal for individuals who love to be noticed in a subtly stylish manner. Hermes is among designers such as Burberry and Aquascutum, who are reaching out to the young and broadening there traditional image in a successful, funky way.
(Shanghai Star June 6, 2002)
