On my last visit to Paris, I could not help but be reminded of my favorite, subject, the Hermès scarf, wherever I went.

I saw inspiration, just like the artists themselves must have, around every corner in this enchanted city.  My favorite and very first scarf, Le Bois de Boulogne, is named after the biggest park, the Bois de Boulogne (I just learned thanks to WIKI, the second largest park), which is 2 and a half times the size of New York’s Central Park.

Another gorgeous vintage Hermès scarf is the Quai aux Fleur, which I had already written about during my stay in Paris.

Today I would like to focus on the Republique Française Liberté Égalité Fraternité – 1789, which was designed for the 200 year anniversary of the French republic.  In his design, Joachim Metz, celebrates France becoming a Republic and perhaps it was not Paris that was his inspiration, however, I found many references here.

The French revolution, which began in 1789, paved the way for France to become a republic in 1792 and Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité French for “Freedom, Equality, Brotherhood”, became the national motto. I, of course, must also mention Marianne, whom Metz so beautifully portrayed on this scarf. Marienne is France’s national emblem.  She represents liberty and is an icon for freedom and democracy.

I found Marianne in many places in Paris.  On government buildings, statues and many other landmarks.  Marianne is one of the most prominent symbols of the French Republic, and is officially used on most government documents.

Marianne is a significant French republican symbol.  She is Republique Française, she is Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.

This dramatic scarf was first issued in 1989 at the 200 year anniversary of France as a republic and to my knowledge, it has never been re-issued.