Pre-Owned Hermès Silk Scarves & Carrés | Old Fashioned Club Paris
The Hermès carré is among the most recognisable accessories in French luxury: a square of silk that became a language, a fashion statement and a collector's object all at once. At Old Fashioned Club, a Parisian pre-owned luxury boutique established in 2017, every scarf is hand-selected, authenticated by our experts and supplied with a certificate of authenticity. Explore our edit of second-hand Hermès carrés and scarves, on view in our showroom at 4 & 6 rue des Saussaies, 75008 Paris.
The story of the carré at Hermès
Founded in 1837, Hermès has its roots in saddlery and harness-making. A century later, in 1937, marking the house's centenary, the maison produced its first silk carré: "Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches." Conceived by Robert Dumas and illustrated by Hugo Grygkar, it was inspired by a parlour game popular in the Romantic era. Horse-drawn omnibuses framed the central motif, a nod to the maison's equestrian heritage. Since then, more than a thousand designs have followed, turning the carré into a living archive that is renewed season after season.
The silk craftsmanship
The Hermès carré embodies the heritage of French silk. Engraving, weaving and printing are carried out in the Lyon region, the historic home of French silk. The signature scarf is produced in silk twill in a 90 x 90 cm format, a supple yet resilient weave that brings the colours to life. Each design demands hundreds of hours of engraving and screen-printing, and the edges are finished by hand with a roulotté hem, rolled and stitched one point at a time. It is meticulous, artisanal work that makes every piece a small work of art.
Models and variations
The 90 x 90 cm twill carré remains the benchmark, but the house has developed many variations: larger formats, mousseline, cashmere-and-silk blends for more enveloping pieces, and smaller squares that are easier to tie day to day. The designs, entrusted to artists from around the world, celebrate equestrian themes, botany, the decorative arts and travel. Certain vintage or limited-edition prints have become genuine collector's pieces, sought after by connoisseurs.
How to wear and tie it
The great appeal of the Hermès carré lies in its countless ways of being tied. Hermès even published a scarf devoted entirely to "the art of tying and wearing your carré." Folded on the bias and knotted at the neck, worn as a hair band, a belt, a bag accent or a romantic neckerchief: a single knot evokes elegance, two invite a bolder look. Tied to a handle, it pairs beautifully with our pre-owned Hermès bags and, more broadly, with our wider selection of pre-owned luxury bags.
How to authenticate it
A genuine Hermès carré reveals itself through several details. The roulotté hem is entirely hand-rolled, using silk thread that matches the scarf's border precisely, with a perfectly even edge. The care label is typically written in French and English. The density of the silk, the finesse of the printing and the accuracy of the colours are further hallmarks. At Old Fashioned Club, every scarf is inspected and authenticated by our experts before it is offered for sale, removing any doubt.
Why buy second-hand & the OFC commitment
Choosing a pre-owned Hermès carré means giving a timeless piece a second life, in the spirit of sustainable fashion and fair pricing. Old Fashioned Club is committed to authenticity, transparency and an editorial level of service worthy of these exceptional accessories. Every order includes complimentary delivery and a certificate of authenticity. To discover our pieces, visit us at 4 & 6 rue des Saussaies, 75008 Paris, or call us on +33 6 83 09 50 01.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first Hermès silk scarf?
The first Hermès carré, "Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches," was created in 1937, the year of the house's centenary. Conceived by Robert Dumas and illustrated by Hugo Grygkar, it drew on a parlour game popular in the Romantic era and referenced the house's equestrian origins.
What are the dimensions and material of the classic Hermès carré?
The signature carré measures 90 x 90 cm and is made of silk twill, a supple yet resilient weave that enhances the brilliance of the colours. The house also produces other formats and materials such as mousseline and cashmere-silk.
Where are Hermès scarves made?
The engraving, weaving and printing of Hermès carrés take place in the Lyon region, the historic home of French silk. The edges are finished by hand with a roulotté hem.
How do you authenticate a pre-owned Hermès scarf?
Key checks include the fully hand-rolled roulotté hem with silk thread matching the border, the care label, the density of the silk and the finesse of the printing. At Old Fashioned Club, every piece is authenticated by our experts and comes with a certificate.
Why buy a pre-owned Hermès carré from Old Fashioned Club?
Buying second-hand supports sustainable fashion and fair pricing while giving a timeless piece a second life. Old Fashioned Club guarantees authenticity, a certificate and complimentary delivery, with a showroom at 4 & 6 rue des Saussaies, 75008 Paris.