Fleurs at Carlines Hermès Carré by Vladimir Rybaltchenko – Inspiration

The Fleurs et Carlines (Flowers and Carline) Hermès carré celebrates a common weed, the Carline thistle.

Carline thistle photo — Carlina vulgaris or the *Carlina Thistle* that inspired a stunning Hermès design
^{Photo Courtesy Wikipedia Commons (Harald Süpfle / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)}

Who would have thought a Carline thistle could look this good?

This particular thistle, the Carlina, is a flowering plant in the aster family and native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia all the way to Siberia. The plant including its roots is believed to have healing properties which include relieving gastrointestinal issues, stimulating bile flow and cleansing the liver of fatty deposits. Swedish Bitters, which uses the root extract of the plant, has been used for centuries as a gastrointestinal tonic. The plant has also been valued for its antibacterial qualities.

Fleurs et Carlines Hermès carré in vibrant red & blue on white

In Vladimir Rybaltchenko‘s design the Carline thistle takes center stage as she rises regally above a canopy of wild daisies.

With the Fleurs et Carlines around your neck you can savor the upcoming change of seasons. Enveloped by cheery spring colors even the gloomiest of early spring days will feel sunnier and brighter.

The Fleurs et Carlines was designed by Vladimir Rybaltchenko (1939 – 2002), who signed his famous works simply as RYBAL. He was the great-nephew of Philippe Ledoux and father of Dimitri Rybaltchenko; All renowned Hermès artists, who have created some of the most memorable designs for the Parisian Fashion House.