Category Archives: Orange Boxes

Carre Story – Regarde Paris

Back in December as I was writing about the carre “Noel au 24 Faubourg”, I also listed my grail scarves. “Regarde Paris” is one of them, designed by Bali Barret in 2006.

What makes my heart beat faster while gazing at this carre is the black and white pencil scratch. It brings back my childhood memories, the days I enjoyed painting so much and spent hours sharpening pencils and drawing pictures… The fact that I finally found it in Paris makes this carre more special for me.

The pop of fresh mint color is just perfect for the Spring! :-)




Hermès S/S 10 Campaign

Anyone else getting tired of winter and looking forward to spring? These fabulous ads just put a smile on my face and drive the winter cold away. Not to mention the priceless childhood memories behind: the little Mermaid, Aladdin’s genie, Cinderella…

Karlie Kloss by Paolo Roversi, enjoy! :-)





Picture Credit: Paolo Roversi for Hermès


Carre Story – New Springs

First of all, I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2010! :-)

I’ve been searching for a purple carre to add to my little scarf collection for a while, but couldn’t find a suitable one until I saw New Springs in purple colorway. It is such a special scarf not only because of the design, but also the touching family story behind.

In 1974, Philippe Ledoux designed one of the most iconic Hermès scarves named Springs. 35 years later, Dimitri Rybaltchenko reinterpreted this classic design of his grand uncle to New Springs (The family has been designing for Hermès over 3 generations). I am not a big fan of the old Springs, but find the new edition really sparkling. Rybaltchenko substitutes the old realistic drawing with a sense of abstract via thick sketching lines and vibrant colors. Through the deconstructed carriage to express an unexpected modern kaleidoscope.

I’ll post a winter outfit with this scarf next time! :-)

Picture Credit: hermes.com

Carre Story – Noel au 24 Faubourg

In the world of Hermès, 2010 will be the year of “Conte et raconte” (story telling). Most new Carre designs are based on this theme. Unlike the SS09 collection, after browsing the SS10 new designs, I couldn’t find one that really makes my heart sing. Maybe it’s time to start searching for some grails. For a scarf lover, grail scarves are these personal must haves, these one will treasure forever and never let go. ;-)

There are 5 on my grail scarf list.

  1. Noel au 24 Faubourg
  2. Cheval Surprise
  3. Regarde Paris
  4. Ex-Libris (GM)
  5. A Cheval Sur Mon Carre (GM)

I feel very lucky to have already found one of them: Noel au 24 Faubourg. Issued in 2004 and designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko (one of my favorite H scarf designers). It is just perfect for the coming Christmas! :-)



Happy 1st Advent

We did some pre-Christmas shopping on the weekend. It is hard to believe that yet another holiday season is just around the corner. Well, I am not complaining at all. I really enjoyed browsing the beautiful holiday ornaments and love the atmosphere of Christmas markets in the city.

Sunday was the first advent, the tradition is to light the first advent candle and bake some sweets. :-)

We tried kelly cookies this time, the baking form (plus recipe) is a lovely little gift from Hermès. The cookies taste great! BTW, if you are interested in the recipe, pls let me know.

Hope you’ve had a very happy 1st advent! :-)


Art on a Silk Square

Since a dear friend asked me why the Hermès scarf is so special. I would like to share something I know. The first Hermès scarf was produced in 1928, inspired by Napolean’s soldiers. It was a big success, Hermès later launched its first carré in 1937 at a factory in Lyon. This is the begin of a silk journey.

  1. each carré measures 90cm × 90cm, weighs 65 grams and is woven from the silk of 250 cocoons
  2. carrés are printed using multiple silk screens, one screen for each color
  3. 43 is the highest number of screens used
  4. 6 to 8 weeks are required to prepare for silk screens and colors
  5. the hems are all hand-stitched, it takes 30 to 45 minutes to finish one carré
  6. each design takes 9 to 12 months of research and development
  7. there are 50 carré designers, contributions also came from artists like H. Matisse and most recently J. Albers
  8. Hermès issues two carré collections each year. Half are new designs, half are re-colored classics

BTW, I store all my carrés in their orange boxes (wrapped in the original acid-free paper). Tagged their names and colors on the box so that I don’t need to open each box to find the right one. ;-)


Le Carré Hermès: Yes or No

Many Hermès scarfies have been waiting for this for years…Now Hermès has finally decided to issue a book documenting it’s scarves from the first one debuted in 1937 right up to the present day.

Picture Credit: hermes.com

I was very excited when I first heard this news. As a scarf lover, I would love to own such a book that would have covered each scarf from day one, with a brief description of the artists and the stories behind. However, I figured out later that there are only less than 200 scarves featured in this book and with very few descriptions. It is indeed beautifully made, but sadly not really the one I’ve been expecting.

My dear fellow scarfies, what’s your thoughts? ;-)


Hermès F/W 09 Campaign

I always enjoy seeing photos of Hermès campaign. Among all the stunning shots from Eric Valli for this Fall/Winter, these three are my favorites. Really love that scarf igloo, simply striking!

Picture Credit: Eric Valli for Hermès

Orange Mountain

Recently, liberty London has invited Hermès to set up a flash store to showcase its signature scarves for a month. Hermès then turned the whole liberty scarf room to a sea of orange. I love the installation of the house’ iconic boxes, especially these striking creations by artist Kyle Beans (have a look here).

After seeing these pictures, I just can’t help taking out my own orange boxes and playing with them. This is what came out… ;)



Carre Story – La Femme aux Semelles de Vent

Being a scarf girl, I am addicted to the beautiful scarves from Hermès. Although there are always gorgeous designs every season, I try to stick to my resolution of buying just one scarf per season. It works pretty well because I am a strong willed person. hehe…

Since this year’s fall/winter collection already hit the stores, it’s time to make the decision. Well, I have to admit it is really hard this time. There are too many stunning designs and colors to die 4. I was eying

  1. Ballade de Heian
  2. Christopher Colombus
  3. Jardins de la Nouvelle Angleterre
  4. La Femme aux Semelles de Vent
  5. Puzzle
  6. Le Monde est Vast

and end up bringing home the “La Femme aux Semelles de Vent” in CW01. I am fascinated by the Potala Palace like temple, it reminds me of Tibet, which is a place I’d love to visit someday. Besides, the border of the carre simply made my heart sing. These animal prints, the embroidered braids, the geometric and floral patterns are too precious to part.



The first two pictures are credited to hermes.com. The carre has actually a bright fuchsia border in real life. Just as showed in the third picture. A real stunner! :-)