Annie Faivre is a French artist, who has created numerous carres for the Maison Hermes.  She has built her reputation on her unique style, which is immediately recognizable and now loved by so many.  Her association with the Fashion House began in 1979, and 36 years and many scarves later (I believe 46 in all), she has a loyal fan base the world over and it is not uncommon for her scarves (first issue) to sell out.

She has her own unique way to represent reality. Unlike the detailed depictions found in Ledoux’s scarves for example, hers are more abstract.  Born more of symmetry and repetition, her detailing reminds me of beautiful intricate Moorish carvings.

Being called “little monkey” while growing up, she began incorporating a monkey into her designs.

Many times her scarves tell a story like the Armets et Panache, Sur Un Tapis Volant or Art des Steppes scarves below.

With so much going on, it is easy to just get lost in an Annie scarf.  I remember when I was in Rome at the Hermes boutique and the friendly staff and I were pouring over her Sur un Tapis Volant Carre to locate her signature monkey, sometimes cleverly “hidden” as is the case in her Les Ballets Russes scarf.

With the help of the gents in our party, we finally located the elusive monkey riding a donkey all the while grinning at us enjoying the ride 🙂

I believe it were her unique style and freshness, which she brought to the Hermes carre setting her apart from her contemporaries at that time, that have catapulted her to the forefront of all the Hermes artists.  She is dearly loved, her scarves coveted by her loyal fans and her vintage designs are collected by many.

She still designs and is associated with Hermes today.

Many of her designs can be viewed here

Merci Madame Faivre

Annie Faivre carres