Collection SS2015: In the Pocket

One of my most favourite designs ever created by Hermes, In the Pocket is an invitation to a mesmerizing and full life.  Little remnants forgotten in the corners of our pockets - or possibly inside the coats as they made their way inside the lining - tell stories of attending concerts and balls, adventures and attempts at building or fixing many objects in our lives.  Looking back, I smile at the great times, remembering perhaps an outfit worn on a special occasion, my fixing a fence or even enjoying a cup of hot cocoa from a wonderful cup.

The colours are unapologetic, unlike the original edition - and this pattern remains, after all the wonderful designs I've seen still one of my all-time favourite ones...

Collection FW2013: I Like Flowers

A favorite of mine, Leigh P. Cooke has been invited to create another organic pattern.  The result: a combination of "Fleurs de fuchsia" and "Des fleurs pour le dire", but in an original pattern that spells out "I like flowers I think flowers like me".  Some of the colors are the usual pastel pink, blue or green (see below), but others - the one above, in a very warm white and the one immediately below, in a vibrant mustard yellow, are certain to turn heads

They also wear great, because they're discreet without losing their luxurious feel.

Tribute to Great Frendships: Fleurs de Fuchsia

The newest addition to my review is this absolutely fantastic baby pink "Fleurs de fuchsia" scarf, which gives a very lush and very rich sensation to the discriminating eye.

Although pink does not flatter every complexion, this is a great item for anyone appreciating and able to sport pastel colours. Of interest is the impact of the sparse design on the material, featuring the fabric itself in all its splendor (in my experience, the majority of the designs are so rich that the admirer is tempted to forget the actual "canvas" and focus exclusively on the picture, whereas with designs such as this one, the actual fabric takes center stage as well and adds to the impression of purity and voluptuousness).

Another visual feast, dedicated to a very dear friend of mine who continues to believe in me and to encourage me and support me in all my endeavours. In this regard, this scarf is a celebration of accomplishments and of profound and meaningful human connections - including spiritual connections. She is the kind of friend whom I understand (and "get") and with whom I communicate without the use of words.

Collection FW2009: Winter Walk

Hermès has released another design for the Fall/Winter 2009 season from my favourite designer, Leigh P. Cooke, yet the scarves themselves, for the most part, have failed to captivate me. My first reaction was that of excitement at Cooke's creation, particularly in light of the organic theme (leaves and fruit), yet on closer inspection, it depicts a static moment, and the texture of the leaves, craftfully depicted otherwise, suggests mature branches in a state of abandonment, perhaps fallen and spread across the sidewalk due to the changing of seasons. It also carries my thought and imagination to nature past the moment it peaked, after the autumnal rich harvests and blossoms - hence a rather serious, collected stance mood. The creative aspect and ingenuity are definitely noted. The one colour (depicted) that stirrs me is the baby pink one. Perhaps other colours may give away a different impression once they're knotted ? I saw a taupe background variation, so I'm quite eager to check it out when it becomes available.

Collection FW2006: Fuchsia Flowers, Part II

I came along this scarf, along with the previous one, by mere coincidence, while browsing a catalogue in a boutique. My fortunate find ! The background colour, described as "deep petrol blue", is equally rich and intense, although much less subdued than the previous, brick red one. The fuchsia flowers appear equally delicate, too, and seem ready for someone to pick them up. Lovely ! The author is Leigh P. Cooke and the title is "Fleurs de fuchsia". Enchanting !

Collection SS2008: A vos crayons !

Traditionally in Romania, September 15th marks the beginning of the schools year (universities and colleges begin October 1st).  So I thought it appropriate to mark the event that marks school children and parents alike with an playful design first issued in 2004/2005 and reissued in 2008, called "A vos crayons !" ("To Your Pencils!").  


This scarf brings us back to the free-spirited (and worry-free) years of childhood when our imagination knew no limits. The focal point of this design is the pencil shavings scattered in the center, while colourful crayons, in an imperfect alignment, surround them all along the edges. The playfulness is further enhanced by the many colours of the crayons, and the fact that they are in apparent scatter, most pointing towards the middle while the rest are pointing away, towards the extremities. I love this design because the two elements balance each other very harmoniously - the geometric (albeit non-parallel) rigor of the pencils is graciously embellished by the apparent disarray of the shavings. I also find this design equally stirring due to its effect when the scarf is knotted. The most impactful is the cowboy knot - the scarf, folded in half diagonally, with the corner placed in front, while the sides wrap around the neck to tie in front as well - this way, the shavings are visible while the scarf edges bring further colour without overpowering the overall design or effect.

The original Hermes ad is equally impactful, featuring a truly beautiful model whose piercing green eyes are complemented by the many colours in the crayons. Note the bolduc, which she holds with her white teeth, matching the pureness of the scarf's white background.

One similar design of this scarf, with the white background and taupe and sepia crayons with contrasting hem, sold recently for no less than USD655 on eBay - almost double its retail price of last year - setting a new record.

Collection FW2007: In the Pocket

Another variation on the theme of "In the Pocket" is this truly phenomenal scarf, depicting an outstanding taupe background. The little objects that are forgotten in corners of our pockets - coins, paper clips, buttons, the corner of a newspaper, an elastic - are active story tellers, their murmur bringing our experiences past back to life. A remarkably distinguished and exceptionally elegant colour that renders this design one as of the most exquisite scarves ever produced. The designer, the very talented Leigh P. Cooke.

Collection FW2006: Fleurs de Fuchsia

I came across this wonderful scarf just by chance, and was immediately taken by the rich background colour, discribed as "brick red". It is intense, without being too bright or over-the-top, and definitely exuding sophisticated elegance. Quite charming ! The pattern, on the other hand, was again very appealing because of the delicate flowers, depicted with their shadows, that give both depth and the impression of real flowers dispersed on the scarf. A testament of definite refinement and elegance both for the designer and for person who'll sport the scarf !

Collection FW2008: Attrapes tes rèves

Native Americans believe that dreams, good and bad, travel through the room, in the silence of the night, before they reach those who sleep. So a round web-like creation (bound with thin leather stripes and hung above the bed) can attract and "catch" the bad dreams and nightmares, leaving the good ones "unaffected" to reach the dreamer.

This scarf, entitled "Catch Your Dreams" is a very clever interpretation and a very playful rendition of that belief. A beautiful display of colour and feel-good sensations, this scarf does not show as nice when knotted as the coloured ribbons follow the lines of the corners, suggesting a rather plain scarf. The other interesting aspect of this creation, not immediately visible in the photographs depicting the scarves with the white background, but more apparent on the brown ones, is the apparent texture of the picture, giving the distinct impressions that the ribbons are "added" to, rather than a part of, the overall scarf. Very clever, indeed.

Collection FW2007: In the Pocket II

Another colour variation on the theme of "In the Pocket" by Leigh P. Cooke, this scarf continues to make me think of my beloved grandmother.  Delicate and refined, with a tremendous presence without inconveniently imposing, this design features a baby blue background while in itself, the scarf is the personification of absolute femininity.  To me, this is an object of rare beauty that is both unique, like a piece of art, and meaningful.

Not everyone would be able to wear the baby blue colour, I find, but this design would be perfect for anyone who can sport pastel colours. There is something about the lightness of the colours that appealed instantly to my senses and continues to enchant me to this day.

Collection FW2005: A Walk in the Park

I've been aware of this design for a long time now, and was ecstatic to come across a picture of it earlier this year. The reason why I find it appealing is threefold: for one, I live in Canada, where the maple leaves (featured on this scarf) are a national symbol. Second, the plum background is a very rich colour that appeals to me. Finally, I love the way the design is very discreet when the scarf is worn. Very elegant, indeed.

The colours in this picture are not quite accurate, as most of the leaves feature brighter autumnal shades of yellow, orange and red. But it gives you a sense as to how peaceful this scarf is, indeed deserving "A Walk in the Park" title, by - who else? - Leigh P. Cooke.

I was disappointed by two recent designs that this person created - "A vos crayons" and "Berries", which were created in the same style of apparent random position yet the former featured the pencils perpendicular cu the sides, which made it less than appealing when worn (although it did feature pencil sharpening shavings in the middle, which were totally cute!), whereas the latter was just too busy for my liking. The designer's return to the values intrinsic in this scarf, in 2009, with "Winter Walk", is encouraging as it depicts more outstanding and mesmerizing designs. A review of that design should follow shortly.

Collection FW2007: In the Pocket

While spending time in Japan in the summer of 2007, I became aware of the "pearls" of the new collection for the Fall/Winter season, of which "In the Pocket" is a fine example.   

Hermes chooses an annual theme to be explored in the scarf designs , and collections are spread every year over two seasons: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter.

"Shall We Dance" was the 2007's theme, and "In the Pocket" was released later in the year, as part of the Fall/Winter collection.  Since the seasons are loosely defined, the scarves in the Spring/Summer edition are released around November of the previous calendar year, while the Fall/Winter scarves hit the boutique shelves in mid-May.

The impact that this scarf has had on me is so strong, no other scarf has ever come close to matching it.  To date, it remains my all-time favourite for the strong and profound emotions it stirs in me, of reverence, of reflection, of joy and of pure enchantement.  So powerful has the impact of this design been, in fact, that I find every colour combination highly desirable (except for the light, pastel green, which is a difficult colour to wear for most people).  The baby blue, the pastel pink, the white, the dark green - each adds a different pitch to the harmony of this remarkanble and unforgettable design.

Today's post features one variation of this scarf, in "anthracite gray" with an orange hem, which to this day remains one of the most sought-after, wildly admired and collectible scarves the Maison has ever produced.

Designed by Leigh P. Cooke (I found out the artist is a male), the scarf has a unique spirit encapsulated by its name beautifully: "in the pocket" features the many objects (and in particular, the remnants of objects, neglected or lost) that we tend to keep - and forget - in our pockets.  Treasured mementos that whisper some of the greatest, most remarkable and most memorable moments of our lives. These fragments - buttons, pencil stubs, entry tickets, scraps of paper and coins, the remnants of our lives' feasts - give our lives the profiles we call "character".  They find refuge in the silence of our pockets, our bags, our drawers, our memory, yet their murmurs tell stories drawn from our memories.  This scarf is a masterful tribute to all those items that bring back the memory of great things past, and which make our hearts race and our minds take refuge in nostalgia.

Unlike Galileo Galilei, who had a fascination with symmetry, I treasure equally geometric patterns and apparent disorder.  While there's no apparent order in this pattern, the elements of the design, taken as a whole, form a very balanced landscape, infusing a mysterious harmony into the overall scarf.  Quite fascinating.  

This colour combination in particular continues to trigger record sums at private sales, one such scarf having been acquired for close to USD560 in October 2009 (at a time when a new scarf was retailing for USD375).

Collection SS2005: Des fleurs pour le dire

The third design that mesmerized me is a model by a very talented designer in the service of Hermes, Leigh P. Cooke. To my embarrassment, I don't know whether the designer is a "he" or a "she" (I suspect a "he"), and haven't been able to resolve this dilemma neither with the use of the internet, nor with the help of the sales staff at Hermes. Nevertheless, while I continue to be hopeful that one day I'll not only find out but also get to know more about him/her, I continue to treasure the wonderful designs that this person creates. This one, entitled "Des fleurs pour le dire" ("Say It with Flowers") is both impactful and very playful. I got a glance at this one after my trip to Asia in 2007 (I had traveled as a school ambassador to teach business courses at a university in Shanghai, then after this 2-month engagement I visited Beijing, followed by Hong Kong, and when I came across this scarf, I was enroute to Tokyo). As I frequently do, when I come across an object I instantly think of someone in my life who would not only enjoy it, but whom the object would fit "like a glove". So I saw this one and instantly thought of my grandmother, who lives in Romania and thought it would be perfect as the design depicts flowers bursting out of envelopes and we - my Grandma and I - keep in touch by letters regularly. I'll look for another picture where that depicts the contrast better, to illustrate the design in all its splendour !

The Hermès Love Story - Collection SS2006: Fleurs et Plumes

I recall vividly how mesmerized I was when I became aware of the Hermès scarves. I was well familiar with the brand, for I have been enjoying the Hermès colognes for a long time (the one distinct element of the Hermès world is the soothing fragrance that fills every boutique, a distinct aroma of discreet scents, emblematic of the "Maison" ("House" as the name a French company with a long-standing tradition likes to refer to itself); my favourites remain "Terre d'Hermès" ("land of Hermes"), which elicits compliments by all who get close enough to "savour" the scent, as well as Poivre Samarcande and Osmanthe Yunnan, two distinct scents from the Hermessence, a private collection of fragrance creations by Jean-Claude Elena), but the sight of all those colourful scarves was something else.  The richness and natural shine of the silk, the palette of colours, the impeccable display and the subtle, heavenly scent in the boutique were all a world apart unlike any other I had experienced before. 

Then there was the unfolding of individual scarves.  It was the first time that I had realized that each one holds a message, to be revealed only to those who take the time to study it, to descipher its secret and interpret its meaning, and this was an experience that I, as an explorer of boundless curiosity, was all too eager to embark on.

Equally vivid is the memory of the feelings this design has triggered in me.  Although not exclusive, my taste appears to be for "organic" designs, such as flowers and plants.  So it is no surprise that during my first visit at an Hermes boutique, I fell in love with a model called "Fleurs et plumes" ("Flowers and Feathers"), issued in 2006.  The background - a soft light orange, so warm and so intense - is so impactful, as are the shades making up the design, that it won me over on the spot. The harmonious combination of various flowers and feathers delicately spread over the scarf in no apparent order is both uplifting and very calming, and it caught my attention and spurred my curiosity and to this day, I take the time to "study" every element of this design without getting bored or otherwise losing my admiration for it.

Thus has begun my love affair with the Hermès scarves. Of course, as the time went by, my knowledge and experience have expanded substantially, as I will reveal in the next posts. Incidently, the designer for this scarf is Leigh P. Cooke, who to date remains one of my favourite designers in the service of Hermès.