When people talk about Hermès, what usually comes to mind first is the elusive Birkin bag. And rightly so. After all, the coveted piece, unveiled in 1984, captures the maison’s roots as a 19th-century saddlery and leather workshop. But years before that, the French luxury brand had already become beloved for creating a simple yet charming accessory: the silk scarf.

In 1937, Hermès produced its first silk scarf, created by Robert Dumas, Émile Hermès’ son-in-law. Dubbed “Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches,” the piece set a new standard for silk craftsmanship and became the pioneering design in the brand’s vast scarf collection.

Soon enough, Hermès scarves moved from the closets of elite women to the screen, appearing in works ranging from the French cinematic bohème to contemporary shows like Sex and the City. These appearances not only solidified the scarf’s status as a collectible but also underscored its ability to elevate a look in numerous ways.

That sense of the silk scarf as a versatile style tool is once again put in the spotlight as Hermès invites everyone into the whimsical world of Carré Style, an immersive in-store animation celebrating the artistry and versatility of its silk creations. Inside its boutique at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City, guests can try on the latest silk scarves and discover ways to transform them into headpieces, tops, necklaces, and even bags through simple twists, folds, ties, and draping techniques.

During a special preview last May 21, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got a first look at the Carré Style cabin. With warm lighting and the signature Hermès orange-and-black palette, the immersive setup is hard to miss. Inside is where the dress-up party happens. Under a glittering disco ball, guests can explore the brand’s latest silk scarves, try them on, and snap photos. Also on display are twillies and ties, which, much like the scarves, showcase the maison’s penchant for color, whimsical patterns, and illustrative motifs.

The spring-summer 2026 silk collection features a variety of imaginative prints. The collection features Elias Kafouros’ “City of Light,” which showcases an open-air cinema, vintage cars, and glowing city lights. Dimitri Rybaltchenko’s “L’Esprit S’envole” depicts a fantasy world inspired by Peter Pan’s boat. Then there’s Shinsuke Kawahara’s “Le Pommier Sellier,” a poetic duet between flora and fauna. Daiske Nomura’s “Harness Légendaire” pays homage to the house’s harness-making traditions.

One piece that caught this author’s attention was the “Madison Party” scarf by Tibor Kárpáti. It reimagines the brand’s New York flagship store as a surreal, pixelated nightclub beneath a giant disco ball.

Beyond the enchanting prints and illustrations, one thing Carré Style offers is a deeper understanding of the brand’s craftsmanship. As for the scarves, ties, and twillies, the best way to grasp that is through touch and feel. Silk sourced from Brazil and cashmere from Mongolia are brought to the maison’s workshops in Lyon, where centuries-old savoir-faire continues to thrive.

“Hermès remains one of the few houses that still owns its silk manufacturing facilities, preserving traditional Lyon printing techniques while continuously innovating through color and design,” the brand says. “Today, the maison’s remarkable silk library contains over 75,000 shades, each contributing to the vibrant visual language that has defined Hermès since the debut of its first carré in 1937.”

Guests can experience Carré Style until June 15 at the Hermès boutique in Greenbelt 3.