Hello everyone!

I just realized that in my last column I completely forgot to mention that among the many celebrations occurring in the ‘maisons de haute couture’ in Paris this year was the 70th Anniversary of the launching of the Hermes scarf. Oops! How could I forget this indispensable fashion accessory! To make amends, I am dedicating this column to tidbits of information and a little history of this significant piece of silk.

For instance, did you know that every thirty minutes a Hermes scarf is sold somewhere in the world? And in European families, a husband traditionally presents his wife with the latest Hermes scarf each New Year and, eventually, the collection is passed on to the daughters in the family.

Women have always been inventive when it comes to their Hermes scarves. Grace Kelly once used hers as a sling for a broken arm while her eldest daughter, Princess Caroline, wore it as a bandana. The scarves are even framed as works of art. You may recall that in The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda Priestly, the dictatorial fashion editor, played to amusing perfection by Meryl Streep, bought Hermes scarves by the dozen.

Hermes scarves have made heads turn ever since 1937 when they were first sold in the House of Hermes, at 24 Faubourg Saint Honore in Paris in the heart of the haute couture world. To commemorate its 70th anniversary, ‘Vintage,’ a new scarf in a smaller format, 70x70 cm (28"x28"), has been designed that comes in an even softer and more supple silk.

Believe it or not, not all scarves are designed by Hermes designers. Anyone can create a design and send it to Hermes for possible selection. A postman from Texas once sent in a drawing of Pani La Shar Pawnee, a Native American, which became a best seller.

The creation of a Hermes scarf requires a meticulous, long drawn out process. In fact it takes almost two years of fine-tuning from concept to delivery in Hermes boutiques around the world. The techniques have not changed since 1937 and the process to make the scarf still takes place in Lyon. It is here, in the silk capital of the world, that pigments are carefully chosen by technicians--who look more like ‘chefs de cuisine’ - in the color laboratory known as ‘la cuisine des couleurs.’ After the colors have been selected, it takes anywhere from 400 to 800 hours to transform the raw silk into the signature Hermes scarf through a procedure that includes steam baths, washes and rinses. Finally, the silk is cut and then hem- rolled by hand. It is no wonder that a standard 90cm x 90 cm (35.5"x 35.5") scarf costs about $300! And that once we have one we want more.

Hermes has come out with a couple of new novelties this year using its famous silks and designs. The most fun one is the Silky Pop, the ultimate grocery sac! At $950, this 10"x14"x6.5" silk scarf-like sac folds into a wallet-size calfskin pouch. It’s a great way to have extra storage when out shopping in Paris, Rome or simply at the local grocery store. If you are not too messy and hard on your bags, go ahead and splurge on this exquisite and extravagant novelty.

And there is also the ‘Twilly,’ a whimsical silk ribbon that can be used as a bracelet on a slim wrist or to add a bit of dash to your handbag or brief case.

This summer the Hermes square was elongated into an ‘echarpe’ and presented in solid colors, garnished with silk fringes printed with Hermes motifs. I LOVE THEM.

And finally, the House of Hermes has come out with a brand new fragrance, Kelly Caleche--a marriage of fresh florals with a whiff of Moroccan leather! The entire line is composed of eau de toilette, deodorant, shower gel and body lotion, and all are surprisingly affordable.

Now you know what to add to your holiday gift list. For yourself and for others! And if you don’t have a Hermes store near you, contact me. An d remember, I can be your personal shopper too.