The role of winter accessories: body temperature, class, and aesthetic sense
Coats and knitwear take up the majority of the surface area of winter clothing. That is why the fabric that touches the neck or the small light that lingers in the hand have carried the mood of the times while carrying both practical and decorative purposes. While scarves, mufflers, and stoles are items of clothing to keep out the cold, they have also functioned as a medium to communicate "belonging" and "taste" through their materials and iconography.
Differences in names: scarf, muffler, stole
In English-speaking countries, the word “muffler” is also defined in dictionaries as an old-fashioned term for a thick piece of cloth wrapped around the neck to keep warm, or a scarf.
On the other hand, a "shawl" is a general term for a large piece of cloth worn over the shoulders, and the history of its popularity in Europe can be told including the import of Kashmir shawls and the emergence of an imitation industry.
The word "stole" has a wide range of uses, from everyday wear to keep warm to formal wear, but even general encyclopedias explain that the idea of a "long, narrow piece of cloth draped over the shoulders" can be connected to the lineage of ancient and religious clothing.
The origins of neck fabric: the cravat and modern Europe
The cravat was one of the events that institutionalized the use of neckwear as an ornament. Britannica explains that the cravat originated from the neckcloths worn by Croatian soldiers in the French army during the reign of Louis XIV, and that the origin of the word is also linked to "Croatian."
This "cloth tied around the neck" was the starting point for what later became the norm for men's clothing (necktie culture), and laid the foundation for winter accessories to go beyond simply keeping warm.
The Modern Shawl: Post-Napoleonic Europe and Kashmir
When talking about winter stoles and shawls, it is impossible to leave out the popularity of Kashmir shawls in Europe. Britannica notes that Asian shawls entered Europe after Napoleon's 1798 Egyptian campaign, and that Kashmir shawls were one of the most popular imports, and that mechanized production developed in Paisley, Scotland, to meet demand.
Britannica also clarifies that Kashmir shawls themselves are made from goat's hair "pashm," and that they became popular in Europe in the 19th century.
These historical facts support the idea that winter accessories were not just "warm," but also had cultural capital in the form of "rare materials," "faraway production areas," and "attractive designs."
The "blueprints" that luxury brands have entrusted to accessories
Hermès: the scarf as a painting
The Hermès silk scarf "Carré" is repeatedly mentioned in auction houses and commentary articles as having originated in 1937 and has been linked to the name of Robert Dumas.
Furthermore, one of the signature designs, "Brides de Gala," is clearly stated on Hermes' product page to be designed by Hugo Grygkar.
This lineage most clearly demonstrates that the fabric that touches the neck in winter is not simply a plain cold weather garment, but has come to be a "work of art" that is clothed in images.
Burberry: Translating the memory of coats into accessories
Burberry states on its corporate website that "the Burberry check cashmere scarf was introduced in the 1970s."
Regarding the check pattern itself, Vogue takes into account that it was used as the lining of raincoats in the 1920s and explains how its appearance has changed since then.
In other words, the scarf transforms the brand symbolism of the trench coat into a form that can be reproduced around the neck, and is an example of how a winter accessory has become a means of conveying house codes.
Gucci: A design given to a specific person becomes a "classic"
Gucci's Flora scarf was created by illustrator Vittorio Accornero for Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco in 1966, according to Vogue.
Here we see a structure in which anecdotes about "who, when, and for whom" turn the design itself into a legend, elevating seasonal accessories to permanent brand assets.
Dior: Keeping the name of its muse as the model name
On its website, Dior explains that the name Mitzah is a tribute to Mitzah Bricard, muse and friend of Christian Dior.
This is the clearest example of how winter accessories can contain tags that contain the ``memories of people'' and ``the story of a maison.''
Ring: A small signature that will last through the winter
In winter, hands tend to be hidden by layers of gloves and cuffs, but rings are an area where the house's design philosophy can be condensed even within these constraints. Cartier itself explains that the Cartier Trinity began with a ring designed by Louis Cartier in 1924.
While fabric accessories tell a story through their surface, rings tell a story through their lines and volume. The reason why jewelry is often compared to winter accessories is because the granularity of these expressions is completely different.
A Spoonful of MOOD
It seems that winter accessories have historically been chosen not for their boldness, but for their "outlined items" that don't get lost in thick clothing. MOOD is also drawn to accessories that have endured for a long time due to the precision of their design and language, rather than following the mood of the times.
It's quiet, yet clearly readable - I think its strength is what makes it a beautiful finishing touch to any winter outfit.
