The Iconic Silk Scarf Is Back! | AD

The Silk Scarf has been a classic piece of any woman’s wardrobe for decades – it is now a bit of a symbol of iconic, powerful women.
Think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie O and Brigitte Bardot of the 60s, all the way through to Queen Elizabeth II, Elle Macpherson and even Bridget Jones (in the convertible car with Hugh Grant!) – it is sassy, powerful, chique and completely effeminate!

From what I knew of silk scarves before now, I assumed that the trend started in the 60s – Audrey Hepburn at her wedding to Dr Andrea Dotti with the white silk scarf wrapped around her hair, or Grace Kelly using one as a sling for her broken arm – from these amazing images, I assumed that was where it all started.

However, after a bit of time on google, I was fascinated to learn that it actually became a huge trend long before Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren or Jackie Kennedy got their hands on these beautiful pieces.

Apparently, the style behind it actually started in the early 40s, during the war.
When the men went off to war, and the women started working in the munitions factories making bombs (HINT: Watch the TV series “Bomb Girls” – it’s one of my guilty pleasures!) the women had to have their hair covered. Firstly, so that it wouldn’t get caught in any of the factory machines, but also because the chemicals in the bombs they were would change the colour of their hair blonde if it wasn’t properly covered, so they started using scarves to do this (though at this time, probably not silk!)
Apparently, as time passed, women started wearing rollers in their hair under the scarves in case they got asked to go dancing after work by a soldier – that way they could finish work, take their scarf off and rollers out, and their hair would be perfect for their evening out!

The Silk Scarf has been quoted as being the “female equivalent of a swiss army knife” – being that is is always useful for a girl to keep one about her person – and so many strong, independent women have done just that! Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Madonna, Queen Elizabeth II, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe have all been famously photographed wearing one. In fact, apparently the last ever photo taken of Marilyn Monroe before her death in 1962 was her wearing a silk headscarf, accompanied by famous jazz pianist of the time, Buddy Greco.

The great thing about a silk scarf is that they are often incredibly colourful, with great patterns so it can add colour and detail to an otherwise relatively plain outfit, or feature patterns and colours that on a shirt or dress would be too much and would over-power, but on a scarf is just right.
They are also remarkably sentimental and personal. Every scarf a woman owns will have a story behind it – who bought it for her, the places she has worn it, the outfits she has worn it with etc. I think there is also something really personal about the fact that as you wear it around your neck, the scarf will gradually take on a light scent of your perfume and will smell like you.

I was thrilled to see that the silk scarf has made it way back this season – the iconic piece is coming back around and women are wearing them everywhere! They are a symbol of maturity, beauty, sentimentality, glamour, positivity and femininity – why wouldn’t you want something with that reputation as part of your outfit?!

You don’t just have to wear it around your neck either; lots of people are wearing them tied in their hair, looped through belt loops or even tied to their handbags – it’s a very versatile piece! Sienna Miller, Elle Macpherson, Nicole Richie and even Emma Watson are rarely seen without one at the moment and  Liberty of London can even give you a lesson in how to tie them!

I was lucky enough to get sent a pair of these gorgeous scarves by Demon Tz. Demon graduated from Central St Martins in London and has worked for Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior and has now branched out, with business partner Yan, into creating new, unique designs for these beautiful scarves and creating this incredibly international online business. The designs are gorgeous, unique and completely striking.

I have had a look at their 2015 range on their website and it it truly stunning. I was sent the “Husky In Mirror” and the “Etre au parfum” (which, translated, means “be scented” – exactly the point I was making about it taking on your perfume scent!) and I love them both but my favourite has to be the “etre au parfum” – the colours and pattern are just stunning!

The thing about a silk scarf is it is an investment – they will last you a lifetime and longer if you look after them, and that is why they are sentimental. I will be on holiday in America when this post goes live and I can guarantee I will definitely have at least one of these with me – they are just gorgeous, personal, beautiful and make you feel like a striking 60s icon.

After all, Audrey Hepburn said “When I wear a silk scarf, I never feel so definitely like a woman, a beautiful woman.” and that’s good enough for me!

Demon Tz can be found at www.demontz.com.

You can also find a video of 25 different ways to tie and knot your scarf at www.thescarfgallery.com.

*These gorgeous scarves were gifted to me, however all views are my own*