The Silk Scarf Aficionado

The musings of a silk scarf devotee

[silkscarfaficionado]

I BOUGHT A DESIGNER DUPE!!!

I have never bought a designer handbag dupe in my life. Well, at least not until last Saturday. Did I have a temperature? Not that I was aware of. Was I under the influence? As the boring, sensible one who tends to stop at one JD and coke on a night out, I highly doubt it. So what on earth possessed me to buy my first ever designer dupe?

I am not one of those Instagram sensations with a wardrobe full of Chanel bags in every colour of the rainbow (I wish). However, that said, I do have a nicely formed and compact handbag collection that I adore dearly. To quote my Husband’s manager Alan Niven:

‘I want a selection not a collection’.

Granted, he said that in relation to guitars (no, Alan Niven is not a closet handbag enthusiast), but nevertheless, these words have become my moto by which I live my life (and fill my closest). For this reason, I allow myself one luxury handbag splurge every 12 to 16 months. In February 2018 it was the Balenciaga Graffiti Classic City bag. In autumn 2017 it was the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour. The time before that? A Mulberry Bayswater. You get the picture.  Still giddy with excitement from my recent Graffiti City purchase, I wasn’t really in the market for another designer handbag. Or even casually browsing or window shopping for that matter; my handbag needs for the next 12 months had been well and truly satiated. So image my surprise when I found myself in the independent boutique Ruby Woo in the swanky West End of Glasgow, stopped dead in my tracks by this vision of beauty with an unexpected price tag of little over £30. The quality of the bag, structure and weight of the chain were completely at odds to the price. Granted, the bag was made of plastic, but I could live with that, particularly because here was a bag that I could take to my husband’s gigs or music festivals and not panic every time a unruly cigarette or tottering pint of Guinness came anywhere near me. I therefore happily handed over my cash and walked away with my very first designer dupe.

The bag in question was a Gucci Dionysus ‘inspired’ bag. Aside from this representing a bag that I could happy use and abuse with little worry, what tempted me to actually buy a designer dupe? Well, the answer is that Gucci has never really represented a designer brand that I’ve had even the vaguest bit of prior interest in. Now, let me first preface this statement with an apology to anyone who I may offend with what I am about to say: I have never been a lover of the great Italian Fashion Houses: Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana etc. Instead preferring my French (Saint Laurent, Chanel, Givenchy, Celine, Hermès), British (Alexander McQueen, JW Anderson, Vivienne Westwood) and, on occasions, American (Alexander Wang) designers. The Dionysus was therefore not even a bag that was really in my subconscious, although I was vaguely aware of the 70s inspired monogrammed version; a design completely opposed to my personal aesthetic and one that would not integrate easily or willingly into my current wardrobe. However, my designer dupe in black has me completely spellbound. So spellbound am I, that I actually went into my local Gucci store for the first time ever (!) just to find out more about the real deal. Not only did it not disappoint, it went far above and beyond my expectations. Very rarely have I seen a designer handbag where I think the quality and craftsmanship is worth the price tag. But I say this with 100% honesty and conviction - the Gucci Dionysus is the most beautifully crafted and highest quality handbag that I have ever held in my hand; from the structure, to the weight, to the buttery soft leather lining. Everything about this bag exudes pure perfection.

Whilst many people will argue that designer dupes are detrimental to the designer in questions (and this is a view that I had previously shared), it is thanks to my designer dupe that Gucci is finally on my fashion radar. Not only that, but I now must own the real thing. And my current surge in EBay and Vestiaire Collective listings is testament to how serious and I devoted I am to adding the Gucci Dionysus to my ‘selection’.

Lucy xx

The best places for designer-inspired handbags:

Ruby Woo Boutique

Penelope Rose Boutique 

Style of Beyond

[silkscarfaficionado]

INTERVIEW

Cleo Ferin Mercury

Let’s dive right in shall we?! Of all the accessories for your label, why scarves?

I’ve always loved scarves, not only are they are so practical especially in the north of Europe where weather may vary to complete opposites within a few hours! But also I love how scarves are very timeless, and don’t belong to any particular trends, I have a huge collection of them, some I’ve inherited from my grandmothers, some I have bought in second hand shops during my travels etc.

I like the variety of prints you get, from souvenir illustrations, geometrical patterns to figurative prints and photo-montages and collages! I have a small collection (within the collection!) of Corsican themed souvenir scarves which I love as it’s where my family is from, and it’s a very special place!

Describe the Cleo Ferin Mercury wearer.

A fun female, lover of music and the arts, independently minded, that care about quality materials and supports small labels.

You are perhaps most well-known for your signature animal long scarves. Where did the idea for these scarves come from?

When I started the label I really wanted to revisit old accessory classics. I started with the square scarf, then came the 1950’s inspired detachable collars, and then with my business partner and best friend Chris, we got the idea of revisiting the animal fur stole, adored by Hollywood film stars of the 1940s. Only we wanted to make an animal-friendly version that animal lovers like us would like to wear! We had no idea though how popular they would become, it’s been a great surprise!

Whether you want a French bulldog as a reminder of your faithful pooch, a black cat to bring out your inner vamp, or a fox for some fifties glamour; there really is an animal for everyone (and let’s not forget your range of twillys, skinny scarves and carrés too!). Do you have a favourite scarf design from your collection?

Yes I do, totally! Although I do love how you can choose to wear different animals depending on your moods, I have to admit (and sorry to disappoint) I am a Gold Jaguar addict. I am a fan of leopard prints in general - it just adds a touch of cool to any outfit! Having said that, I have just started wearing our Mini Dalmatian Scarf with the bold flower print all-over, and I love it!!

There is this wonderful cohort of young and quirky scarf designers coming out of Britain at the moment, with some of my favourites including Karen Mabon and Silken Favours. Do you have a favourite scarf designer (young or old) or one that you most admire? 

Yes, the scarf world is very exciting at the moment! I am very glad we’re all working towards making scarves popular! I really like the scarves of Bimba Y Lola too, the materials could be a bit nicer but the prints are beautiful.

Saying this, my absolute favourite will have to be Hermes. I’m always amazed by the variety of prints they offer, and they all come in a few amazing colour ways. The silk they use is very special, they have their own weave made for them, and it is all printed by hand, which is really incredible.

As a French girl living in London, is there a difference between designing for the French girl versus the British girl?

I don’t think there is really, our scarves are quite loud but they do appeal to an amazing variety of people, from different countries, and ages, I love that!

You have more recently branched out into clothing, creating a range of silk blouses and pyjamas. Are there any more tricks up your sleeve or tantalising hints that you care to share?

Haha, I think that’s it for now. I find it quite nice to focus on a product at a time to see people’s reactions, and make sure we master the technicality of getting things made etc. As a small label, I think it’s great to take your time, focus and make sure things are done well, Voila!

Cleo, it has been an absolute pleasure to chat to you and find out more about the women behind some of my favourite scarves in my personal scarf collection.

Lucy xx

Be sure to check out Cleo’s website at www.cleoferinmercury.co.uk to discover more about her beautiful scarves. Better still, the summer sale sees many of her scarves currently reduced with 60% off!

[silkscarfaficionado]

The May Bank Holiday may be coming to an end, so what better way to cheer yourself up than with 25% off site-wide at Cleo Ferin Mercury with discount code SILKSCARFAFICIONADO!  

You can shop Cleo Ferin Mercury’s fantastic scarves here. My personal favourite picks include the black cat long scarf, the fox twilly, and the snow jaguar skinny scarf, although the list could go on and on!

Lucy xx

[silkscarfaficionado]

My long overdue foray into YouTube! What better way to start than with a luxury handbag roast! So join me with a cup of tea as I rant about the designer handbags that I just don’t ‘get’.

Lucy xx

[silkscarfaficionado]

Handbag Review: JW Anderson Pierce

I was first made aware of the JW Anderson Pierce bag back in September 2016 thanks to Vogue’s YouTube series ‘Inside the Wardrobe’. The wardrobe in question was that of original blogger and insta-IT girl Susie Bubble. Susie Bubble, known for her eclectic and energetic dress sense, was never going to have a wardrobe full of crisp white shirts and blue denim, let’s be honest. After all, that crown belongs to the perfectly polished Sarah Harris. However, even after nearly 3 minutes 20, and more pink tulle and rhinestone encrusted cat-eye glasses than I would expect in a lifetime, I was still not prepared for the Pierce. EVEN alongside that metallic silver Marco de Vincenzo Griffe bag (famously shaped like a monster’s paw). Nothing, no NOTHING, could have prepared me for that large pierced snout staring me in the face and Susie Bubble’s nonchalant reply to Bay Garnett ‘I think it might actually be a cock ring’.

Fast forward 17 months and I found myself eagerly awaiting a delivery from Net-A-Porter with my very own JW Anderson Pierce bag. Quelle horreur! What on earth could have happened in those intervening months to see me consider actually paying money for a bag that had initially repulsed me so much? The answer, I am ashamed to admit, is Instagram. Wow, the power of Instagram eh? Does this make me fickle? Maybe. A slave to fashion? Peut être. However, one thing is for certain, and that is that I am not alone in this sudden change of heart. Indeed, many converts and now-owners of the Pierce profess to the powers of Instagram in helping change their mind. No longer am I repulsed by this bag, but instead find myself searching hashtags whilst on my morning coffee break so that I may drool over polished street-style images of fashion week attendees doing, what I can only describe as ‘rocking’ this bag.  So when a blood red fringed Pierce bag came up on Net-A-Porter at 70% off (Yes! 70% off), I was powerless to resist.

Unfortunately for me, this tale of lust does not have a happy ending. Whilst I still adore the Pierce and find myself still searching #jwandersonpierce over a morning cuppa, the bag just did not live up to expectations. For me, the single shoulder strap was impractical and connected to the bag in such a way that the bag flopped forwarded, posing a serious risk of spewing the contents of the bag all over the floor.  Furthermore, with the new Disc bag recently making its debut at fashion week and leaving me feeling cold, I shall unfortunately be demoting any aspirations of adding a JW Anderson to my handbag collection. At least for the time being…

What is your opinion or personal experiences with the Pierce? Is the unbalanced design and feel specific to the fringed version? I would love to hear from you!

Lucy xx

Instagram: @silk_scarf_aficionado

Twitter: @Silk_Scarf_Afic

Website

[silkscarfaficionado]

My relationship with Instagram is one of love hate. One minute, I can be trawling happily through images of Bristonian street art and Parisian street style, and the next I am all too aware of the superficial rat race; the never-ending need for likes and constant validation from (often) complete strangers. I do not own a Chanel Classic Flap in caviar, nor do I have a shoe closet full of Louboutin and Valentino Rock Studs, and I most certainly do not receive thousands of likes every time I post an image of my morning Starbuck’s skinny latte, perfectly framed to reveal a tantalising glimpse of a Porsche badge, a Chanel Le Boy and a flawlessly tanned and sculpted size 6 thigh. Jealous?  No. Disillusioned? Perhaps. Overthinking it? Most definitely! But as a scientist by profession, an overly active and analytical mind is regrettably an associated curse.

Fortunately, every so often, something will happen that makes me realise why I like (perhaps even love) Instagram and acts as a little reminder that social media does not need to be constant vying for attention and affection. In fact, it can be exactly what you choose it to be. In my case, a way for me to connect with scarf lovers and designers the world over and share our mutual passion for scarves. Yes, it is superficial, but not everything in life needs to be about solving the World’s problems and developing new technologies, and this I need to keep reminding myself.

As I said, every so often, something will happen to reaffirm my love of Instagram. And this time it was a Sunday morning ‘like’ on one of my photos by a Cléo Ferin Mercury. With a profile picture all bright yellow and bubble-gum pink, I was intrigued to explore further. And I am so glad I did. Cléo’s ‘Animal long scarves’ put a fantastically quirky spin on the traditional skinny scarf and twilly, and I cannot wait to add one to my collection. With the Beckermam twins already long-standing fans, I can only ask myself how on earth I have been so slow on the uptake. Fortunately for me, I have a birthday coming up and a Cléo Ferin Mercury scarf has been added to the top of my wish list. Watch this space…

For more information, www.cleoferinmercury.co.uk or follow on Instagram at @cleoferinmercury.

Lucy xx

[silkscarfaficionado]

I am not normally one to repost articles written by others. However, as an Hermès enthusiast, this short piece by Simon de Burton (read here) for the Financial Times in 2009 proved an enjoyable post-Christmas, lazy-morning read, tucked up in bed with a cuppa. Not that I really need anyone to tell me how to spend money on scarves mind you...

[silkscarfaficionado]

Wearable Art

2016 has seen me leave behind my beloved France to begin a new job and start a new life for myself in Scotland. Whilst I have traded sunshine for rain, Hermes scarves for bobble hats, and box jackets for Rab down jackets (yes, my sartorial credentials are now non-existent), I have gained winter evenings in cosy pubs and chip shop chips! So, it isn’t all bad after all! I may find myself dressing increasingly for warmth, but my love for the silk scarf has not waned. There is always room for a little flourish of silk beneath all those layers!

With my obsession for silk scarves still paramount, I was thrilled to learn of California-based scarf designer Elena Avanesova and her scarf brand Reka Lena. Fully trained in the Fine Arts, Elena has studied and worked the world over (Uzbekistan, Thailand, France, Britain, Switzerland and now the US; she really is one well-travelled lady!) If there was ever someone who understands both the thrill and heartache of relocating and rebuilding a life, it will be Elena. But, rather than dwelling on the negative, as I so often find myself doing, Elena channels all this experience and cultural wealth into her artwork and, as she so eloquently writes on her website, distils the ‘sights, colors and emotions of her artistic and geographic journeys into brilliantly exotic and fashionable designs printed on the finest silk’. And this she most certainly does. One look through her online store (here) and the vibrancy and energy of her designs is overtly apparent. The scarf to capture my heart was the Caprice Amethyst design which depicts crocuses blooming in purple and black. The scarf did not disappoint and I absolutely adore it when worn, tied in a low bow. Furthermore, the colours look fantastic offset again the pale yellow of my Iro jacket. It may be cold outside, but underneath all the layers, this little beauty is here to stay!

The Caprice Amethyst scarf measures 43cm x 178cm and costs £48.53 with current conversion rates.

For more information visit www.rekalena.com and be sure to check out Elena’s fine art too!

Lucy xx

[silkscarfaficionado]

Are Moschino scarves worth the money?

My name is Lucy and I am a scarf addict. And I have Moschino to thank for that addiction. Their quirky and perpetually fun designs attract me like a Magpie to a shiny surface and I am powerless to resist.

However, I have not bought a Moschino scarf in easily 4 years. This is less to do with any waning love, but more likely the result of my move to France and subsequent introduction to the world of Hermès.

This month I returned to my scarf addict roots and purchased not one, but two Moschino scarves. The first scarf to grab my attention was this fantastic Powerpuff girl scarf from SS16 currently half price to £61 on www.moschino.com. As I eagerly awaited its delivery from Italy, I then stumbled across a second Moschino beauty during a fleeting visit to TK Maxx en route to catch a train. This time, the scarf in question was from Moschino's AW15 Ready to Bear collection and featured a classic design of leather straps and chains mixed with the cheeky and thoroughly modern Moschino bear. I instantly fell in love with this scarf that was so brazenly sticking two fingers up to convention. Forget granny chic, this was granny street!

Unfortunately my obsession with this scarf was short-lived as I realised just how thin, flimsy and prone to snags this scarf was. In my Moschino buying hiatus, there appears to have been a shift from the silk satins and chiffons of old towards an attempt at silk twill (the thicker, ribbed silk seen on the likes of Hermès). However, the result to me is an epic failure. You only have to look at the scarf incorrectly for it to snag or tear or run! Heaven forbid you should actually touch or wear it! Needless to say, on arrival of my Powerpuff girl scarf from Italy, it was promptly re-boxed and sent packing. As a scarf lover who takes so much pleasure from her silk scarf collection, it honestly kills me to see something deteriorate and wear so badly. I don't believe in handling things with kid-gloves. I believe that beautiful things should be worn and used; loved to their full potential and not hidden away in the wardrobe, waiting for that special occasion that never arrives. But unfortunately even kid-gloves would decimate this scarf. I may have spent a comparatively mere amount of £39.99 on this scarf from TK Maxx, but even that seems too much money for the quality of scarf I feel I have received. It has me doubting if Moschino scarves are really worth the price tag? As I trawl through blogs on vintage Moschino scarves dating from the 1980s, I can't help but wonder if this newer breed of Moschino scarf will even make it to the end of the week, let alone to Vintage status.

Lucy xx

[silkscarfaficionado]

Birthday Memories (a little late)

As most females will know, birthdays are not always welcomed with open arms. However, if we must turn a year older, what better way to celebrate than with a shopping trip to Paris?

First on our agenda was a visit to the incredibly chic Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Although we arrived half an hour before opening times, there is never a shortage of entertainment. We marvelled at the sheer elegance of the older women in their Chanel box jackets carrying their Birkins, giggled at the atrocious driving of those wishing to use the Valet service, and watched as a queue quickly materialised outside Hermès. Being from a comparatively small French city, where the Hermès store has little more than 3 customers at any one time, I am always amazed at how busy the Hermès stores in Paris are! But the vast selection of scarves always makes up for it! 

My sister has never been one for silk scarves, but I think that living with a silk scarf fanatic for the past 18 months has begun to have an effect! For, as soon as she begun trying on the silks in 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the scarf bug struck! It didn't take her long to make up her mind. The scarf to catch her attention? 'Bouquets Sellier' in cw 09. Fancy my sister beating me to purchase a 90cm x 90cm! As the silk scarf fanatic, I feel ashamed! If only I wasn't constantly distracted by the 70cm x 70cm designs!

Lucy xx

P.s. Here I am sans-scarf for once (!) and not looking particularly chic, but in 30 degree heat, I went for comfort! I am wearing:

Boots: Toga Pulla in red suede

Handbag: Alexander Wang Diego in patent black with cupcake studs

Bracelets: Monica Vinader Esencia and Bali bracelets, Tiffany Return to Tiffany bead bracelet

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Dress: beloved tatty old thing from many years ago!

[silkscarfaficionado]

Evoking the senses 

Can you feel it? That warm, wet sand bubbling up between your toes as the Caribbean Sea gently laps at your ankles? Or that sticky, sweet aroma carried on the cooling breeze along the Riviera dei Fiori? Or how about the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu at night, as another rickshaw frantically rings its bell in an attempt to get through the crowded street that stretches out ahead of you?

Marchmont Hunter is a London based scarf brand who takes inspiration from The Bloomsbury Group with the aim of creating scarves that capture the intellectual essence, and updates it to appeal to the modern day bohemians and jet-setters. With their aim in mind, there is no disputing that they have succeeded triumphantly.  Marchmont scarves have almost captured in print what E M Forster so beautifully captured in words. Their powerful designs really do simulate all the senses, so much so that I can almost feel the balmy heat emanating from ‘Paradise Palms’ (top left) and ‘Italian Lakes’ (top right), and sense the electric buzz of city life in ‘Electric Dreams’. But I am not here to discuss English Literature; I am here to talk about scarves.  And what delicious scarves they are! Measuring 135cm x 135cm and made from delicate silk chiffon, these scarves would make the perfect summer accompaniment. If only I had that trip to Florence booked *sigh*!

For more information, visit www.marchmonthunter.com

Lucy Honeychurch  xx (whoops, I mean Lucy)

[silkscarfaficionado]

Savage Beauty

In little under three weeks, Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty will close after an almost five month run at London’s V&A museum. As an avid fan of the late McQueen’s work, I am ashamed to admit that I have not, as of yet, made the short journey across the Channel to see the exhibition! 

Like him or loathe him, there is no disputing that McQueen had a monumental impact on British fashion during his relatively short life and reign as the Enfant Terrible of the Fashion World. Perhaps the most apparent is the image of the skull that trickled down and permeated all aspects of everyday fashion (and beyond). It is impossible to walk down the British high street without being faced with some reinvention or reincarnation of McQueen’s now iconic skull; be it in beaded friendship bracelet form in Topshop, or in the guise of a sweatshirt in New Look, staring out as a charm from the window of the local jewellers or perhaps the overt and unashamed knock-off scarf from the local market store. The McQueen skull is EVERYWHERE; a lasting legacy of a British designer unafraid to push the boundaries of what was (and is) accepted. 

As a biologist, the macabre side of the natural world has always held a deep fascination. And thanks to McQueen, ‘savage beauty’ extends far beyond the current V&A exhibition. It has broken from the confines of dusty curiosity shops inhabiting dark alleyways and is a now regular feature in everyday life. In honour of the McQueen legacy, I thought I would bring you my favourite macabre pieces and, as with McQueen being unafraid to move beyond confines, I thought I would extend this post beyond scarves to encompass, well, just about anything that tickles my fancy.  So, behold, my favourite curiosities currently available:

1) I wouldn’t be a scarf aficionado without including as least one scarf. The one scarf to really arouse my love of the macabre is this Ceto Silk & Cashmere Scarf by St Piece featuring a stunningly intricate design of a snake skeleton. This scarf is £375 and available from www.stpiece.com.

2) My second piece involves a slight detour from the beaten track, but it is worth the effort, trust me. The piece in question is a handmade anatomical heart in chains pendant from Paris-based jewellery designer Quentin Guibert. You can purchase a Cœur enchaîné pendant direct from his studio at 46 rue de la Rochefoucauld, Paris. Be sure to check him out on facebook too!

3) My next piece is a little easier to obtain and is this fantastic skeleton charm by Trollbeads. Priced at £60, the ‘Skeleton Spirit’ charm is available from any stockist of Trollbeads and www.trollbeads.com. 

4) My final offering for the day are these superb ceramic tiles by British artist Rory Dobner. Priced at £38 each, these striking alphabet tiles are available from www.rorydobner.com and Liberty of London.

Lucy xx

[silkscarfaficionado]

Taking the Vestiaire Collective plunge: my experience and thoughts 

Firstly, I must apologise for the radio silence. As I find myself between contracts with the prospect of an intra-European relocation, my time and energy has been devoted to far more boring and tedious things than silk scarves. However, whilst I have been preoccupied, my love for scarves has not waned and, since my last blog back in *cough* May *cough*, I have added two new scarves to my collection. But these are not your normal scarf purchases, for these are my first ever purchases from Vestiaire Collective. 

I am sure most of you are already familiar with Vestiaire Collective, but for those of you who are not, it is an online consignment store specialising in pre-owned luxury goods. So what makes Vestiaire Collective different from the rest? All sold items are first sent to their team for validation of authenticity and quality before being sent out to the paying customer. However, whilst this should remove the main source of unease when buying second hand luxury goods i.e. the potential of being tricked into buy a fake, I have nonetheless read quite damning* reviews of Vestiaire Collective, making me reluctant to take a chance on them. 

Nevertheless, as a long-time lover, nay obsessive (!), of the Hermès Graff, I have been forced to make a tough decision: take a chance on a consignment store or never own your Holy Grail of the scarf world. For this reason, last month, I took the plunge and ordered a ‘preloved’ Hermès Graff Gavroche (thank you Charlotte, France). As with buses, no sooner had I purchased the first Hermès Graff to appear on VC in months and months, a second shortly followed, this time in the form of a Graff Twilly (thank you also Marie, France).

So, how was my first experience with VC? Although ordered 7 days later, the Twilly actually arrived first, a mere 4 days after ordering. I believe that this was because the item was already with VC (perhaps the result of a cancelled order or a return?). The Twilly itself was in very good condition, if not a little flat (perhaps from pressing or dry-cleaning). However, a night in the shower room soon plumped the Twilly back up to its former glory. The Gavroche took a total of 18 days to arrive from ordering. Given that the item must be sent by the seller to VC, then wait patiently in line at VC headquarters to be ‘authenticated’ and ‘quality checked’, before being shipped off to me, the buyer, I actually thought this time frame to be quite reasonable. The scarf itself was beautiful, although had one pull in the silk and a tiny stain, but nothing more than what my Graff Gavroche purchased in 2013 already has! Regarding authenticity, I must first admit that I am completely unfamiliar with what a replica Hermès scarf looks and feels like. However, one feel of the Twilly and Gavroche (and a comparison to the Hermès in my scarf collection) puts my mind at ease. A silk twill of this luxuriousness cannot surely be replicated to this standard. The only possible answer is that the scarves are 100% genuine and I am the proud owner of two gorgeous Graffs. 

I would love to hear your experiences of purchasing scarves via Vestiaire Collective. Drop me an email at [email protected]. 

Lucy xx

*The reviews I have read have mainly been concerned with long delivery times, poor customer services, VC being impossible to contact, and customers receiving items differing to those photographed. I have even heard mutterings that VC are not qualified in authenticity checking and that fakes slip through their system. However, I should state here that VC is somewhat more of a fashion community / platform than your average online consignment store, where members can leave comments and discuss the items for sale. Therefore, if potential buyers smell a rat, comments left on the item will quickly alert others.

[silkscarfaficionado]

Scarves for good causes

As someone who has been lucky enough to visit Nepal, I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent earthquakes to hit the area, destroying lives, cultural heritage and, inevitably, future income from tourism. Many people who have travelled to this area of the world joke that Nepal is an acronym for ‘Never Ending Peace And Love’, but I can truthfully say that I have never met such beautiful, warm, and loving people as I did in Nepal, making the acronym all the more apt (and recent events all the more heart-breaking). I was therefore delighted to learn that Age of Reason Studios are donating 10% from the sale of their Black Pin modal scarf to Nepal relief charities! So, not only is this scarf effortlessly cool with a subtle hint of Age of Reason’s signature punk aesthetic, it is also helping a very worthy cause! As far as I am concerned, a scarf cannot get better. For more information, visit www.age-of-reason-studios.com.

Lucy xx

[silkscarfaficionado]

Paris, Fabryan and Giveaways!

A recent trip to Paris provided the perfect opportunity to try out my new Fabryan silk mix scarf (Lucia long scarf, £120 from www.fabryan.com). It looked simply perfect worn with my Sandro Magnolia coat and really made my yellow Pistol boots ‘pop’. Also a firm favourite of mine is my Fabryan silk 90cm x 90cm scarf which I recently put to the test against the likes of Givenchy, Versace and Hermès in my 90cm x 90cm heavyweight championships 2015 (aka Lucy procrastinates) post (it really did come up trumps!). The Fabryan scarf is truly exquisite and really does offer silk twill scarves so luxurious, Hermès should be quaking in their boots! I was therefore super, super, SUPER excited to find out that Fabryan are giving away, not one, but three scarves this April! Since I am already fortunate to have 2 Fabryan beauties in my scarf collection, I had to spread the good news so that someone else can be in with a chance of owning one of their silk scarves! It is simple to enter. All you have to do it follow @Fabryan on instagram and repost the photo above before April 17th with the hashtag #Fabryan!

Good luck everyone!

Lucy xx

For those interested in my Paris outfit, I am wearing:

Scarf: Fabryan ‘Lucia’ 

Sunglasses: Illesteva ‘Holly’

Coat: Sandro ‘Magnolia’

Jeans: Zara

Boots: Acne ‘Pistol’

Handbag: Alexander Wang ‘Diego’

[silkscarfaficionado]

INTERVIEW

Anna Coroneo

Sunshine on a cloudy day…

You are an acclaimed artist and have exhibited your work across continents. How did the foray into scarf designing come about?

I had always enjoyed painting and designing clothes separately. I majored in Textiles/Graphics when I studied my Bachelors degree in Design at The University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia where I was encouraged to think about design from a multidisciplinary approach – where art and design ideas are interrelated and inspire each other. It wasn’t until I graduated from a Fashion Marketing degree from Parsons in New York and sold a triptych of black and white ink paintings to an architect that I decided to make those artworks into scarves.

I had a lot of people around me suggesting that my abstract artworks would translate beautifully onto fabrics. I selected some of my artworks and had the designs printed onto fabrics and designed a collection of women’s dresses, swimwear and scarves. As my business evolved and I learned more about balancing art, design and commerce - the scarves grew to become the main focus of the start of my brand.

How would you describe the Anna Coroneo scarf wearer?

The Anna Coroneo scarf wearer exudes Joie de vivre.

I have had the privilege of meeting many of our customers across the globe at trunk shows and pop up shops, and now with social media, I receive many messages and can correspond directly with our customers. I love to see photos of our customers enjoying their scarves around the world and it is most rewarding to see a stranger in the street wearing my designs.

What I have noticed is that we have a very loyal following of international customers who fall in love with the ideas and spirit of my designs. My customers are confidently attracted to bold, happy colours and the vivacity in the themes I paint.

There is a strong appreciation of art and design and our customers also enjoy a sense of humour and fun. The fabrics I work with are truly luxurious and our customers appreciate high quality detail.

I am constantly creating and painting new designs and our customers choose themes which have a special meaning and personal significance. I also like to tell the story of each artwork and knowing the story / background adds depth to each design.

I also think that when our customers invest in adding one of my scarves to their wardrobes- it’s not just for one season but for every season- something to treasure for a lifetime.

Our customers typically travel frequently and tell me that they enjoy taking their scarves with them wherever they go – the ultimate accessory to take you from plane to poolside.

I have a very glamorous, international customer, who has supported me from the very early stages of my business. She has a fabulous wardrobe with many scarves from the established and well-known luxury houses. However, she finds that my designs fill a void in the luxury market, by offering something new, original and special.

Since your Spring / Summer 2013 collection, your style has really evolved into the eye-popping and playful, almost ‘pop art’ designs of today. Is this you having found your design personality?

I like to think that if you’re in a room surrounded by scarves, you would immediately be able to know which scarves are designed by me.

I design hundreds of prints each year and usually tend to have two strong themes – one being the pop-art inspired style conversational prints and the other bearing references to a more traditional floral / abstract vein.

As an artist my work evolves with each new painting I create. I really enjoy looking back to my earliest designs and seeing how over time my designs have progressed though also seeing some themes which constantly re-appear. I have a slight obsession with palm fronds and swirly ferns which I continue to enjoy painting.

From where do you draw inspiration when designing scarves?

I am constantly inspired by nature and the world around me. I grew up in Sydney, often spending time in the garden exploring flowers and at the beach. I love to collect shells and I am always intrigued by patterns in nature. I am also completely obsessed and worship color. I think that my upbringing in Sydney has been a big influence on my designs. I am very passionate about studying art history – I admire Sonia Delaunay and my recent collections have hints of inspiration from the work of pop artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.

I am very much influenced by my surroundings and endeavor to create designs that have an Australian influence, injected also with the vibe of busy cities - the energy of New York and London where I have studios. I really enjoy walking around cities being inspired by what people are wearing in the street, street art and traveling. I love traveling around the world and I always take so many photographs that inspire my work.

My personal favourites from your scarf line are the pocket squares. These look perfect when tied to a handbag (I fell in love with Net-a-Porter’s styling of the pineapple print scarf tied to the electric blue Phillip Lim ‘Pashli’ satchel  - wow!).  Do you have a particular favourite from your collections past or present?

I have so many favourite designs it’s really hard to narrow it down! The pineapples, watermelons, strawberries, flamingos, lemons, diamonds are prints I wear often.

At the moment, I have a pink peaches scarf tied on my handbag (NeimanMarcus.com / BergdorfGoodman.com) and I have been living in the blue/white Olive Branch scarf as the Mediterranean blue with white has been brightening up my mood in the lead up to Spring!

And how do you choose to wear your scarves?

There isn’t a day that goes by, where I don’t wear a scarf from my collection.  

Depending on my mood, I like to style my scarves in various ways-  

In the summer at the beach /poolside I love to wear a scarf over a bikini – I fold the large square scarves into a rectangle and knot the corners, to then be able to slip me arms through and wear the scarf as a little bolero.

I always have a mini scarf tied on my handbag.

One of my favourite ways to style the mini scarves is on the wrist – It’s very exciting to see one of the most stylish girls in fashion today, Leandra Medine, Manrepeller, wearing the mini scarves from my collections in this way.

I recently went to a formal occasion, where I wore the black and pink pressed flowers scarf draped over an elegant cocktail dress.

Whenever I travel, I always like to wear a scarf looped around my neck to keep warm on the plane.

I really enjoy looking at old photographs to reference how some of the glamorous style icons chose to style their scarves in the  past - Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Audrey Herpburn all wore scarves with sublime elegance. I also admire Diane Keaton and Sophia Loren, who are experts at styling their scarves.

Aside from your fabulous scarves, have any other scarf designers made it into your personal collection?

I love to collect vintage Pucci and Hermès scarves –  I also have a nautical themed vintage Jaeger scarf which I bought nearly 10 years ago at the markets on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, which I wore tied to my handbag on my first date with my husband.

Finally, what can we expect from the next collection?

The collection for Fall/Winter 2015, Tempest, exudes a brash and brazen mood which takes us to the frosted forests of Asia and the endless winters of the Arctic.

In Tempest we see nostalgic Alpine warmth battle against dramatic cloudscapes, brewing storms and savage wild animals.

As an avid fan of your delicious designs, it has been an absolute pleasure to chat to you!

Lucy xx

Be sure to check out Anna’s website at www.annacoroneo.com where you can find out more about her art, scarf line and stockists.

Photo credit: Dario Calmese

[silkscarfaficionado]

So, clocks have gone forward and we lose an hour in bed *grumble*. But, it does mean the beginning of summer, which is most definitely worth a Yipeeeee! Unfortunately, as I look out the window at the grey skies and misty rain *grumble again*, those lazy afternoons spent sipping bubbly in the park still seem a distance dream.

I therefore need a little sunshine in my life to help summer on its way and beat these rainy day blues. And what better way to brighten up my life than with these adorable pocket squares by Anna Coroneo. I cannot help but crack a smile whenever I look at these bold pop-art creations. Not only do these designs look great tied around your wrist or on your handbag, they are also available in a 120cm x 120cm size for those who prefer to wear their scarves oversized.

As an extra treat, be sure to come back tomorrow when Anna Coroneo will be sharing her secrets and tips on scarf designing and scarf tying and offering some tantalising hints on her new collection!

Lucy xx

All scarves pictured are available from Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com).