
Announcement
What makes a French Silk Scarf so special? Discover with me types of silks, as well as 20+ ways to wear them (men and women) and even some lesser known French designers of scarves I can truly recommend ...
Research and Writings On French Silk Scarves:
* Discover French Scarves: https://www.pumpjackpiddlewick.com/scarf/
(includes 20 ways to wear a scarf for Women)
* What makes a French Silk Scarf so Special? https://www.pumpjackpiddlewick.com/french-silk-scarf/
(includes 11 ways to wear a scarf for Men)
* French Designers: https://www.pumpjackpiddlewick.com/lesser-known-french-designers/
* All about French Silk: https://www.pumpjackpiddlewick.com/french-silk/
* Asymmetrical Style Scarves: https://www.pumpjackpiddlewick.com/asymmetrical-style/
* All my related French Silk Scarf writings: https://www.pumpjackpiddlewick.com/tag/vintage-scarves/
'French Silk Scarf' offers silk (soie) vintage scarves from France. The occasional neckerchief may join the club or the odd pocket square and unique handkerchief, all in fabulous silk of course. The occasional blend may be included, like silk-linen or silk-wool, but only when truly special. I check and test all my scarves for silk type (and to be sure it is silk), especially if there is no tag. There are many types of silk, in thickness, quality, sheen, weave and texture, from paper-like to super soft.
Wrapping: All my items are uniquely and beautifully packaged prior to sending.
Personal messages can be added if sending as a gift. Simply mark your purchase as a Gift to add this free option. Additional Extra Special Gift Wrapping is available, which packages it up with ribbons, and includes a gift tag.
I can send directly to a recipient if preferred. Simply write their name and address instead of yours in the address field. Or Direct Message me with the information.
Age of Silk Scarves ~
I have a particular passion for scarves from the 1950s & 60s, with their hand rolled and sewn edges and uniqueness of design. The quality of silk from this era is superb, often wonderfully thick (for silk).
The 1970s & 80s tend towards finer silks, raw and chiffon. More delicate in style, but still wonderfully long lasting.
And older - Scarves from the 1930s or prior World War II are usually smaller and of a thinner, lighter weight silk. Scarves from the later 1940s particularly lent themselves to roses in trend.
Older still - Antique scarves tend toward more texture, whether in the silk or the design. Scarves prior 1930 are quite difficult to find, especially though not impossibly in good condition. Expect to pay more for an authentic antique scarf in good condition.
The size of the scarf is often also indicative of the age or era, with scarves after the 1920s starting small and gaining in size each decade.
Cleaning Silk -
It is possible to hand wash most silk scarves. The older the scarf the better in this case. Quality Scarves from before 1970 hold their colour exceptionally well. After 1970, or hand painted, the colour is much more likely to bleed. It is always best to test a corner first, preferably a dark colour. If the colour is not stable, dry cleaning is recommended.
I clean all my silk scarves before photographing. Depending on how they have been stored and taken care of during their life can sometimes mean marks are ingrained and one must way up the severity of cleaning against the delicacy of the type of silk.
You can iron or steam all silk scarves. Use a clean iron with steam setting on high. Iron on the reverse side whenever possible. Avoid ironing any 3 dimensional embellishments. Test a corner first, before ironing the whole scarf, if you have never pressed silk before.
For awareness ~
It is actually very rare to find an authentic vintage scarf in pristine condition. If you are looking to purchase, particularly a designer scarf, be aware that if it is over a half a century old and the condition is 'like new' (without a reason why), it is very probably a fake. Prices don't always reflect genuineness, but condition often will.
I classify anything below 65 cm (25.5 inches) as a neckerchief and below 40 cm (16 inches) as a pocket square. Both of which make great hair ties or purse accessories, too.
Vintage is over 20 years old and antique is over 100 years of age.
I am always seeking the unique, the unusual and those that are particularly special, to offer you in my shop.
Items
Featured items
All Items
Reviews
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vanessa on Mar 22, 2023
5 out of 5 starsFantastic, beautiful merchandise, prompt, gorgeous packaging!
Alycea responded on Mar 22, 2023
Merci beaucoup! Thank you Vanessa. I am so very glad that you like all your scarves. And truly thank you for reviewing (and giving 5 stars!) to each of them. You have made a sunny day even sunnier.
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jairving on Feb 19, 2023
5 out of 5 starsI love it. The hand is perfect. The print clear. I did not see the color clearly on the web but it is lovely. Shipping was done well. A treasure to add to my collection.
Alycea responded on Feb 19, 2023
So happy to read that you love your scarf. It is truly beautiful and the attention to detail is stunning. A wonderful and unique quality vintage piece. I am glad it has found a new appreciative home.
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GABRIELA on Jan 25, 2023
4 out of 5 starsI like this scarf a lot, but I must say, it’s more for Spring or Summer as it is so thin! But the design is very nice. The material is the only thing I find a bit disappointing: it crumples too easily and doesn’t look so nice when worn for just an hour or so…But as I said: for Spring and Summer it’s just fine! The delivery was superfast! Thank you! Gabriela
Alycea responded on Feb 10, 2023
Thank you Gabriela for your review. I now include the silk type the scarf is made of in my descriptions. There are so many varieties of silk, from the transparent chiffon to the fine habotai, from charmeuse to the thicker mulberry. Each has its own texture, density and weight. Always happy to answer questions if you wish to be certain if the silk type is what you are looking for.
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Roisin on Jan 7, 2023
5 out of 5 starsThis is my third purchase from this lovely shop and honestly I’ll probably be back again whenever I need a gift for someone! The scarf is gorgeous, absolutely stunning and the seller is so sweet – highly recommended! (Again.)
Alycea responded on Jan 9, 2023
Thank you, thank you, thank you! And I look forward to 'seeing' you again!
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pbmaf1onxl33xy89 on Mar 16, 2023
5 out of 5 starsGorgeous scarf perfectly preserved and packed very well
Alycea responded on Mar 16, 2023
Merci beacoup! So wonderful to know that you adore your scarves.
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pbmaf1onxl33xy89 on Mar 16, 2023
5 out of 5 starsGorgeous scarf perfectly preserved and packed very well
Alycea responded on Mar 16, 2023
Grazie mille! Sono davvero felice che ti piaccia ognuna delle tue sciarpe.
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pbmaf1onxl33xy89 on Mar 16, 2023
5 out of 5 starsGorgeous scarf perfectly preserved and packed very well
Alycea responded on Mar 16, 2023
Merci beaucoup! C'est merveilleux de lire vos commentaires et de savoir que vous êtes satisfait de chacun de vos foulards.
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Updates
About FrenchSilkScarf
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A Real Find! In researching this vintage Guy Laroche, I discovered it's from his First Collection! A piece of history.
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It is always exciting to find a truly unique silk scarf, and this one from Bianchini Ferier is pure wearable art.
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Now and then you spot a jewel amongst the norm. One that stands out from the crowds in its uniqueness.
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Some scarves could be framed as works of art, as well as be worn.
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Hand painted scarves open the eyes to such imagination in their ideas, execution and style.
Did you know there are more than 50 ways (maybe even 100) to tie a scarf?
Shop members
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Alycea
Owner
I adore 1950s clothes, especially scarves. Wearable art. And versatile. I love all things vintage for the quality, the uniqueness. Visit our other shop Pumpjack & Piddlewick for more vintage finds. www.etsy.com/shop/PumpjackPiddlewick
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Becky
Assistant
Becky is my right hand woman, taking care in sending your gorgeous silk scarf to you.
Shop policies
Shipping
Customs and import taxes
Payment options
Returns & exchanges
Cancellations
Cancellations: accepted
Request a cancellation: within 12 hours of purchase
Privacy policy
More information
Frequently asked questions
Types and Quality of Silk
Quality scarves from the 1950s & 60s, tend to have hand rolled and sewn edges and a certain uniqueness of design. The quality of silk from this era is superb, wonderfully thick (for silk).
The 1970s & 80s tend towards finer silks, raw and chiffon. More delicate in style, but still wonderfully long lasting.
Sizing details
We classify anything below 65 cm (25.5 inches) as a neckerchief and below 40 cm (16 inches) as a pocket square.
For all our silk items, you will find the size in centimeters and inches in the listing description for your convenience.
What does Vintage mean?
Vintage or Antique means not new / used / second hand / previously owned.
Vintage is older than 20 years and less than 100 years old.
Antique is over 100 years old, eg before 1920.
Retro is a style statement, generally referring to the latter half of the 20th century and often particularly the 1950s and 60s.
We do our best to describe each item accurately, including any imperfections. We use the pictures to try and show you all aspects of the item. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or request additional photos.
VerpackQ Registered
For my German customers, my shop is VerpackQ registered.
My packaging is all recyclable. I also try to use packaging that can easily be re-used.