A detail from Hermès Story by illustrator Jonathan Burton for the SS22 collection. In the beginning, there were two silkworm moths. Hundreds of cocoons. Miles of thread. And one simple accessory that would become synonymous with effortless elegance: le carré. As told by Hermès, the story surrounding the creation of its legendary silk scarves is not unlike a foundational myth—the start of an epic love story built around a fiber so noble it once caused wars and gave its name to history’s most famous trade route. Indeed, although the French luxury house was originally founded as a harness workshop in 1837, its iconic 35.5-inch square silk scarves have been at the heart of its business for nearly a century. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Three Buy Now Related Stories Fashion Films Issue 47 Farida Khelfa France’s fashion muse. Fashion Issue 47 Between Us The world looks brighter among old friends. Fashion Issue 47 Veneda Carter An interview with a superstar stylist. Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 47 A Picture of Health Xiaopeng Yuan photographs the world’s weirdest wellness cures. Design Fashion Issue 47 Jean Touitou The A.P.C. founder on the demands of hype and craft. Design Fashion Issue 47 Hot Desk The many faces of a multifunctional workstation.
Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 47 A Picture of Health Xiaopeng Yuan photographs the world’s weirdest wellness cures.