ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Silk Scarves Return as Fashion's Hottest Accessory

other · 2026-08-31

Silk scarves are making a major comeback in fashion, driven by designers like Michael Rider at Celine, Sarah Burton at Givenchy, and Julian Klausner at Dries Van Noten. The trend is also celebrated by Area's creative director Nicholas Aburn, whose fall 2026 collection features silk-scarf party dresses inspired by vintage finds. Aburn, known for his love of loud vintage scarves, demonstrates various styling techniques, including the 'Stefano Pilati' look, and notes the collectible and personalizable nature of scarves. The revival is seen in recent runway shows, from Celine's scarf-tent debut to Hermès' spring 2026 ready-to-wear, where scarves are paired with gold chain-link necklaces. Celebrities like Alexa Chung and Jennifer Lawrence have embraced the trend, tying scarves as cummerbunds. The article also references historical moments, such as Isaac Mizrahi's polka-dot-scarf accent in 1990, and pop culture associations like Jennifer Coolidge's scarf in The White Lotus. The trend reflects a broader desire for bygone glamour and personal expression, with scarves offering versatility from sartorial menswear vibes to Palm Beach elegance.

Key facts

  • Silk scarves are trending in fashion, revived by designers like Michael Rider at Celine, Sarah Burton at Givenchy, and Julian Klausner at Dries Van Noten.
  • Area's creative director Nicholas Aburn's fall 2026 collection features silk-scarf party dresses inspired by vintage scarves.
  • Aburn styles scarves in various ways, including the 'Stefano Pilati' look, and emphasizes their collectible and personalizable qualities.
  • Celine's inaugural show under Michael Rider took place under a silk scarf 'tent' in June 2025.
  • Hermès spring 2026 ready-to-wear features scarves wrapped around gold chain-link necklaces.
  • Celebrities like Alexa Chung and Jennifer Lawrence have been seen wearing scarves as cummerbunds.
  • The article references historical fashion moments, including Isaac Mizrahi's polka-dot-scarf accent in 1990.
  • The trend is partly inspired by pop culture, such as Jennifer Coolidge's scarf in The White Lotus.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Area
  • Celine
  • Givenchy
  • Dries Van Noten
  • Hermès
  • Stella Dallas vintage store
  • Vogue

Locations

  • Williamsburg
  • Brooklyn
  • New York City
  • Manhattan
  • Paris
  • Palm Beach

Sources