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 Issue 49 Urban Doom A saturnine mélange of subversive styles. Design Issue 49 At Work With: Muller Van Severen How a home renovation birthed one of Europe’s most distinguished design duos. Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 49 A World of Difference A fun lesson in cultural faux pas. Design Fashion Issue 49 Reid Bartelme & Harriet Jung An inquiry into costume design. Design Issue 49 Good Enough The case for plainness. Design Issue 49 Marcio Kogan On the pursuit of perfection.
Design Issue 49 At Work With: Muller Van Severen How a home renovation birthed one of Europe’s most distinguished design duos.