I got to see a handbag being created (wish I had good pictures, but everyone was crowded around a great, bright pink Bolide? bag), a wallet being sewn, an engraver etching some engravings for a scarf, and almost the entire process of making a Hermès scarf.
Fun Facts:– There are 75,000 different colors for scarves!
– The entire process of making a scarf from design, to engraving for scarf screens, to printing and prepping the scarf takes two years
– 60% of Hermès employees are artisans trained in different crafts
– 20 scarf designs are released annually and each design may have 10 combinations
– A scarf screen is created for each separate color layer. The one I witnessed took 15 screens while the red one at the end of this post took 45 different screens.
– Any mess up in the scarf results in the destruction of the scarf (even if you’re at screen 45)
– A scarf printer can train for up to five years!
The process:
1. The scarf printer has the final design in mind and attaches a scarf firmly to a table for printing.
2. The printer uses individual screens for each layer and mixes vegetable gum and colors for that screen.
3. Screens are created for the same as well as different sections to allow for variations of colors in the same design. Precise placement is needed at each step.
4. The scarf is complete with the printing process and is then taken to a steam bath to soften the texture of the scarf (stiff from vegetable gum) and allow the dyes to permeate the scarf.
This scarf took 45 different screens to print! The face alone is created by 15 different screens!
I have a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and time that goes into the creation of each scarf. These are true artisans and you can also now see the justification behind the price as well as the value in handing down a quality piece like an Hermès scarf!
I’ve uploaded a few more pictures to my Flickr here – enjoy!
i can’t i’ve without scarves and reading this makes me love them more!!!
http://aphroditeslair9999.blogspot.com/
Thank you for creating this beautiful and interesting post!
XoXo
Plami
http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/
Absolutely cool post ♥
This is a wonderful post! I had no idea that so much work went into each little scarf – this definitely justifies the price and heirloom status of these pieces.
Gah! This is such an incredible behind the scenes look at the creation of an Hermes scarf – I love! 🙂
Interesting, sounds so awesome to observe!
Oh my goodness, how cool!
Wow, thanks for sharing! I had no idea!
75,000 different colors? Holy cow!
Wow amazing!! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! 75,000 colors for scarves? That´s great 🙂 Love scarfes!
Wow oh wow I had no idea what went into this. That being said, i need one even more now!
This is truly amazing!! I can’t believe the time and effort that goes into ONE scarf. Now I understand the high pricetag!
wow, great post, hermes scarfes are quite the deal
xx
Wow – this is incredible. The amount of work that goes into a scarf is staggering. I own one little Hermes pocket square – and this makes me appreciate it much more!
the work and artistry that goes into this is absolutely amazing! Thanks so much for sharing. xo
Wow, this looks fascinating!
Whenever I see an Hermes scarf I always think of you.
(P.S. Let’s do France – soon?!)
OMG I would have love to have seen that!!! Love Hermes scarves 🙂
i really really want one of these… they are so beautiful!
droooool i love this post!! something about an hermes scarf.. *sigh* haha
I’ve read a few recaps and think this is SUCH a cool event – lucky you for getting to go! Great pictures and thank you so much for sharing them! 🙂
Fabulous, informative post! The scarves are so beautiful. Sigh.
I remember reading about this when it was passing through a few cities here but vaguely remember it was more about leather products – I would love to this process as well. Just love Hermes – what an incredible iconic brand!!
What a fabulous event to attend! My aunt owns 5 hermes scarves and each one is designed beautifully and it is amazing to see what a painstaking process it is to create one of these works of art! I hope to own one some day, along with a Kelly bag 🙂
What an amazing post this is! Thank you so much for sharing. It must have been so much fun to see these scarves and wallets and purses being crafted right before your eyes!
Amber
Ambersmoutwhash
it’s always so nice to see what goes on into the production of an item like that. the level of craftsmanship and detail is amazing. and the variety of colors is wow!!
Beautiful shots, this is my first time to your site and I’ll definitely be back
xo Leslie
http://lesliechristen.com/
Wow what an incredible process! Learning more about how a piece is constructed really lets you understand why it’s a luxury item and just what you are paying for. Anyone who ever questions that needs to see this post!
In love for this post! Well done…thank’s for share!
(http://www.the-parisienne.com/)
years ago i saw how there scarves are made and the process was incredible. afterward, i willingly paid an arm and a leg for them. : )
I guess that explains why they’re so expensive! These really are quality pieces.
http://www.stylish3.com/marylane
Very informative post, thanks for sharing 🙂
Have an awesome weekend!
[…] sounding at the end). I also haven appreciation for the brand’s good after attending the Hermès Festival des Métiers (Festival of Crafts) and learning how many different artisans come together to produce a single […]
Hi, just wondering what the name of the Native American face scarf is. It’s beautiful, and fascinating! Thanks!
Hi Chelsea, the scarf with the Native American face is called Cosmogonie Apache by Tzapoff. I hope that helps and thanks for stopping by! I am a huge fan of Hermès scarves so let me know if I can assist or enable in anything else!
http://france.hermes.com/femme/carres/carres-90cm/twill-de-soie/pink/twill-scarf-cosmogonie-apache-25447.html