Objects of Desire: Hermēs Scarves as Works of Art...

They say every Hermēs journey begins with a single scarf. As if a hand-rolled square of silk has the uncanny ability to turn an otherwise sane woman into a Birkin-lusting, leather cuff obsessed buying machine. Perhaps this is true. If so, A pretty creation such as this dip dyed number designed by Henri d'Origny in a delightful mix of oranges, pinks, tranquil turquoise and spots of pale lavender surely are to blame for the fall of many a strong-willed female. It is undeniably gorgeous by an standard.

But what if you're keenly aware of the silk's inherent delicate nature and want to admire it and enjoy it without risking snags, wrinkles or (God forbid...) spots? For those of us on the obsessive side of the spectrum (raising hand high), there's the option to see these marvelous creations as the works of art they are and frame them. Yes, frame them.

While I love tying a colorful scarf on my handbags in summer, I don't subject my nicest ones to this task. Due to the way I baby my belonging, risking "injury" to one of these investment pieces simply isn't an option.

I have observed them framed or placed behind a modern acrylic box as a beautiful art installation. It's clever. It's sharp. It's brilliant. In many ways, it seems the best use of these fanciful objects.

I think you're either a fan of colorful scarves as magnificent artistic creations or you aren't. I myself am fascinated that an organic material such as silk can be manipulated in such a way as to create such intricately detailed designs. Their delicate nature also amazes me (yet another reason to consider placing yours behind a protective barrier). Add to it, their worth both in the present (cha ching) and in the future (perhaps cha cha ching) as collector's items and it seems downright crazy to tie one in knots for a trip to Starbucks.

If the above points don't sway you, consider this: you can only truly and fully appreciate the composition of a scarf design when it is spread out on a flat surface. So to me, hunting my favorite versions of these beauties down and hanging a few on a wall is a magnificent idea. In fact, it's a decision I've recently made: to collect (and protect) them.

I can hear you now. Beautiful things are meant to be enjoyed, right? Yes. They are. Everyday luxuries aren't supposed to feel too precious or untouchable. I wholeheartedly believe this. While I would encourage you to use your bone china and pull out your crystal stemware for a picnic (life's too short to hide it!), your diamonds need to be worn as often as possible and by all means, wear your favorite perfume whenever the mood strikes. Life is too short. Yet... in this one instance I feel protective of these somewhat fragile artistic pieces. The idea of a grid of nine magnificent silky scarves on a large blank wall sounds just dreamy to me. But perhaps just a single scarf, framed perfectly and hung on a wall alone is more of style statement and an expression of your love of fine things. Your only challenge: which one to choose?

{all product images via Hermes.com // all interior photography via Pinterest}