IT'S A WRAP

Grey skies, changing leaves and descending temperatures are often not things you look forward to as. But there is a bright side, and that bright side is the scarf or shawl. For such a simple item, it can have a real transformative effect on your outfit  - and your warmth.

Ancient Rome is one of the many origins of the scarf, where the garment was used to keep clean rather than warm. It was called the sudarium, which translates to English as "sweat cloth", and was used to wipe the sweat from the neck and face in hot weather. They were originally worn by men around their neck or tied to their belt. 

Historians believe that during the reign of the Chinese Emperor Cheng, scarves made of cloth were used to identify officers or the rank of Chinese warriors.

In later times, scarves were also worn by soldiers of all ranks in Croatia around the 17th century. The only difference in the soldiers' scarves that designated a difference in rank was that the officers had silk scarves whilst the other ranks were issued with cotton scarves. Some of the Croatian soldiers served as mercenaries with the French forces. The men's scarves were sometimes referred to as "cravats" (from the French cravate, meaning "Croat"), and were the precursor of the necktie.

THE HILL-SIDE SS 2012

New York City based The Hill-Side is a small company run by Emil Corsillo and his younger brother Sandy. He once said "there's nothing functional about a tie, but a handkerchief has a foot in both worlds. A gentleman might carry one in his jacket pocket to offer a lady, but the man in the fields tucks it into his back pocket to wipe his brow". Whoever you are, you will love The Hill-Side. 

IT'S GETTIN' COLDER OUTSIDE

It's getting colder outside, and this is the perfect time to spicy up your outfit with a silk scarf. The aren't bulky at all, and give a little warmth. They come in paisley design, or dots. Drakes London has a great selection, or go the Gant way - go for some ducks.

4 WAYS TO WEAR A SUMMER SCARF

You see a lot of linen and cotton scarfs these days, great for adding color and texture to your summer outfit, but how to wear it....? Rugby came up with 4 ways to try.

THE HILL-SIDE HABERDASHERY

The Trade Mark

Special Edition

Fall/Winter 2011 colloection shown at the Pitti Uomo

The Hill-Side takes it's name from the Connecticut street that was once home to The Hill-Side founders Emil and Sndy Corsillo. Growing up in New England the brothers developed an appreciaton for American workwear which would later inspire their Hill-Side label. Today the brothers are based in Brooklyn, New York, where they handcraft  neckties, handkerchiefs and scarves out of the kind of fabrics characteristic of American workwear. They use selvedge denim, chambray and waxed cotton for their designs. Look here for a dealer near you.

THE COLLEGE SHAWL

 

Wearing a college shawl was a tradition you could find at many British colleges and universities. Sets of 2 or more coloured stripes have traditionally been used as a part of the visual identity of these colleges and universities. The scarves are usually made of Saxony Wool (a kind of merino wool) and about 2 metres long. You can find every possible color combo here.

WRAP IT UP!!

Wrap it up.....it's not about if you wear one but it's all about how you wear one!!!!! Get inspired by these pics from The Sartorialist