Four Hermes Carres from The Year of India 1985/1986

In June of 1985, France declared 1985/1986 the Year of India. Throughout France, India and Indian culture was celebrated through a number of cultural and scientific events including art exhibits, theater, film and folk festivals.

Hermes having had its own close ties with India going back to 1914 when the Fashion House was providing luxury equestrian goods for several Indian princes, quickly joined in this yearlong celebration. Hermes window designer (and Regina carre designer) Leila Menchari magically transformed the windows at the Flagship Store into an Indian summer palace somewhere on the silk road to Kashmir.

Hermes did not stop there and promptly issued four new silk scarves in celebration of India that year: the India by Caty Latham,

Hermes Silk Scarf India from 1986 RARE – Available

the Fantaisies Indiennes by Loic Dubigeon,

Hermes Silk Scarf Fantaisies Indiennes by Loic Dubigeon features a Tree of Life, which took its inspiration from various facades from the city of Mandawa – SOLD

along with Michel Duchene’s Chasse en Inde and Catherine Baschet’s Srinagar.

This Michel Duchene design was inspired by an 18th century silk tapestry embroidered in gold, which was hanging in the Indian ambassador’s residence in Paris at the time.

Madame Baschet’s Srinagar bears the name of the city, whose geometric and floral patterns inspired it. Exclusively issued as a shawl in only two versions, a pastel summer silk and a heavier silk/cashmere for the fall/winter season in rich jewel tones.

Caty Latham dedicated her scarf to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity and fortune.