Established in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, Hermès was originally founded as a harness workshop in the Grands Boulevards quarter of Paris. In 1880 the shop moved to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which remains its base today. At the beginning of the twentieth century Hermès began to expand its product lines, becoming the luxury goods house we recognise today. They released their first leather handbag in 1922 and their first women’s couture collection in 1929.

In 1937 Hermès debuted its first silk scarf (carré), which was printed with the design Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches. Hermès’s scarves have since become one of the company’s best-known products and they have released over 2000 different designs between 1937 and 1995.

This scarf was designed by Nigel Peake for the Spring/Summer 2013 collection. The design centers around rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, home to Hermès since 1880 and one of the streets that has been at the heart of Paris’ luxury quarter since the 18th century. The design depicts the site as a fantastical labyrinth representing the diversity and number of workshops now operated by Hermès. In the corner a groom navigates the scene, trying to locate his horse and carriage.