Do Scarves Have You All Tied Up?
It’s that time of the year again, scarf season. Who knew wearing scarves had such early beginnings? As early as 1350 B.C. Egyptian Queen Nefertiti wore a finely woven scarf topped by a conical headdress. In Egyptian culture, scarves were viewed as a social status symbol. Queen Nefertiti was one of the first known scarf wearers.
In 60 A.D., Emperor Nero rarely appeared publicly without a sudarium (linen scarf) around his neck. Another historical scarf note: the French wore scarves and called them “cravats” from the Croatian word krayata. It became popular to demonstrate political support by the color of one’s scarf, which sounds familiar to the Democrats and Republicans of today. 1786 during his travels, Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have sent cashmere scarves from India to his first wife, Josephine de Bonaparte.
The pricey, prestigious, iconic graphic silk Hermès scarf was born in 1837 by the French ready-to-wear retailer. The all-too-familiar and must-have Burberry plaid scarf was introduced in 1856. In 1930, before PETA, fur scarves were at the height of fashion in France.
This refers to the 60s when there was cultural turmoil with the civil rights movement. I remember fashion speaking a language of its own when everything was mod, psychedelic, or groovy. Pop artist Peter Max featured graphic designs in bold prints and intense bursts of colors; during this time, Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci became known for his stretch wrinkle-free silk dresses that were bold in color and prints. Scarves serve more than just function; they seem to have become the ultimate fashion accessory. Scarves added the right amount of sophistication to any outfit.
Once the chill is in the air, it’s a perfect time to accessorize with scarves. One can chase the chill away using a scarf as a head wrap/scarf to layer up or be a neck warmer, if large enough, a wrap while making a fashion statement. The infinity scarf (as the featured scarf on the left in the photo below) is all the rage right now and my fave. I like to think of scarves as one of my trademark fashion statements. I have a drawer full of different shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes of scarves.
As you can see, scarves can easily add a pop of color in lively tones. Jackie O, the ultimate style icon, brought an air of elegance to a simple triangle head scarf. How you tie a scarf can add interest to wearing one. Here are “40 Ways to Tie a Scarf!”
Don’t let scarves get you all tied up. Have fun tying, twisting, knotting, or wrapping your scarves this fall, winter, and spring!