Hermès scarves are about as classic as they come. A fashion house that prides itself on rich history and innovation, Hermès items have been worn by some of the most fashionable ladies we have encountered (whether personally or via the glossy pages of magazines). In fact, it is my elegant grandmother’s collection that inspired my desire to elevate my outfits with something as simple as a scarf. But Hermès scarves really are far from simple, aren’t they? The printed silk scarves are the symbol of the modern woman, from France to California, who don them as headscarves or wrapped smartly around their necks. Each scarf is made with silk produced in Lyon, France, where the scarves are printed, and each is made with the Lyonnaise technique of silk screen process and hand-rolled finishing before the work of art is folded into an iconic bright orange box. It takes two years for a 90-centimeter printed silk scarf to arrive in a store.
“As a brand, we continue to push the boundaries,” Senior Vice-President of Retail and Merchandising Maureen Balthazar tells us. Most recently, Hermès pushed the boundaries of color by introducing a dip dye pop-up known as Hermesmatic.
Having already made their way to New York and Washington, D.C., Hermès opened Hermesmatic in Nashville just last Friday. At the Hill Center in the space formerly home to Calypso St. Barth, you will discover the pop-up, which is open through October 21. Bring in a vintage Hermès from your collection and update it by dying it in colors of denim blue, fuchsia pink or intense violet. If you’ve never owned a Hermès scarf, have no fear: there is a selection of scarves available for purchase. “This is a contemporary take on something classic,” Maureen tells us. “We are looking to connect and educate, and we hope that everyone will gather for this fun and immersive experience.”
“We are here to test the waters and see what potential Nashville has for Hermès,” Maureen continues, referring to the decision to come to Music City. “We want to break barriers and let you know that we are an approachable brand.” In each city, the Hermesmatic team has met people who are seasoned fans, as well as those new to the brand. While I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle, the two ladies who I encountered at the shop are undeniably the former. Between the two of them, they brought in six scarves — which ultimately they chose not to dye, just to share with the Hermès team.
If you do decide to dye your scarf (a complimentary service), a textile expert is on hand to explain the process. “The new and vintage scarves take dye differently,” explains textile expert Chantale Regnier. “When dyed, the colors on the vintage scarf look more saturated, while the new scarfs hold brighter color. We are here to recommend colors based on the color patterns in the scarf.” The dying process takes 24-48 hours.
Should you choose to purchase, good luck with making a selection. Dozens of classic styles, all with different color schemes, are represented. After exploring the dip-dye collection, which includes pre-dyed silk scarves, I made the decision to partake in the entire dip-dye process, starting with a new scarf. One of the most celebrated designs, a Brides de Gala with shades of white and tan bordered by flowers in rich tones caught my eye. Soon, the luxury item would receive a hot-pink dye job.
Interested in trying this experience for yourself? Hermesmatic is open through Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Hill Center Green Hills, 4031 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. #904, Nashville, TN 37215 Follow along on social media using hashtag #Hermesmatic.
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