The Delicate Exuberance of the Decorative Scarf

The decorative scarf has some history.

Rumour has it that even in ancient Egypt, Queen Nefertiti donned a finely woven scarf with her headdress. And in 230BC warriors of the Chinese Emperor Cheng wore scarves to denote their rank. However, only until the 17th century were scarves really worn as a a sign of class and status as the Croatian soldiers of higher rank wore silk scarves while others only cotton.

However, it was only until Beethoven, that the decorative scarf really came into its own. Beethoven became rather guilty of peacocking, desperate to impress a fair maiden, and the scarf became part of his signature style in 1810.

Not too long after, in 1837, Queen Victoria, then recently queen, made of the silk scarf an enduring sign of nobility, and an uncontestable sign of luxury.

Later, Hermes stepped up to the plate in 1937, once a business only dealing in bridles and harnesses and later leather goods, they came to introduce the first true luxury silk scarf, made of only the finest imported Chinese silk.

From Brigitte Bardot to Lauren Bacall, everyone wanted an Hermes masterpiece, signalling effortless chic in the 50s and 60s, while emboldened in print in the 70s...

And lately well, let's just say I wanted a taste of the magic of the silk scarf.

And my darling grandmother obliged, telling me to choose three from her extensive and beautiful collection.

Almost instinctively, I made my selection. One in magenta, deep purple and leaves of golden yellow. Another in swirls of ocean turquoise and midnight blue and daffodil yellow. The final, simple but bold, in bright pink and white with small triangles of sky blue.

And I have never felt so special, so luxuriant, as I wear them to add hints of colour and glamour to even the plainest ensemble. So I'm here to say, the silk scarf is back! Or it should be... Thanks to Beethoven!

While the majority of my warmer-day clothes are bright and colourful and fill my soul with nothing but joy, my winter clothes often leave me feeling depressed and gloomy... Woolly dresses in grey and black suede boots... Beige jumpers and grey leggings, again with my black suede boots... And on these days, my vibrant collection of scarves have come to my rescue. Their warmth has not been needed. Only their brightness. Lifting my mood instantly!

Beyond this, it has to be said, they make me feel like a 1950s movie star....Or Lauran Bacall herself!

And just the other day, shopping in a thrift store for a few essentials, I just couldn't resist the purchase, for a few bob hardly breaking the bank... My very first purchase of a silk scarf. All my own, and paid in full by none other than myself.

Sadly, obsessed as I am with prime numbers, and 4 falling short of 5, my collection now seems a little lacking. But it will find me... One day. My final scarf... Or will it be?! A part of me longs for an endless life of collecting silk scarves as much as I adore collecting egg cups!

But I will be ready. For my next silk scarf.

And in the meantime, truly I find there is nothing as divinely self-indulgent as a beautiful silk scarf.

So much of fashion has emerged before out of necessity... Denims for hard working labour... Leggings for warmth... Sun hats for protection from the heat... But no. Not the silk scarf... Never the elegant silk scarf....

And isn't that just decadent?!

Still Life with Silk Scarf by Veronique Oodian