From Coco Chanel to Egyptian Pharaohs: The Timeless Elegance of Scarves

A scarf is perhaps the most remarkable accessory. Although rarely discussed, it has been a staple in wardrobes for thousands of years. Beautiful in its own right, it does not overshadow the wearer but rather accentuates their beauty and adds a touch of elegance. It’s no surprise that scarves have become part of a collaborative project between Dove and the Belarusian Fashion Council, aiming to highlight the natural beauty of women. We delve into this project and the world of scarves, with insights from stylist Zhanna Ulasevich on how to wear them this season.

The Dove and Belarusian Fashion Council Project

For several seasons, Belarusian designers have supported Dove’s mission to promote natural beauty as a source of confidence. This year is no exception. Belarusian artists and designers Tatyana Efremova, Anastasia Abramchuk, and Yulia Babiy have created unique scarf designs, released as a limited collection by the organizers.

Yanina Goncharova, the artistic director of the project and head of Belarus Fashion Week, initiated this endeavor to provide Belarusian artists and designers with a platform to realize their ideas. Producing a silk scarf is an expensive process, making partner support crucial. Four original designs were created and manufactured in Belarus.

The History of the Neck Scarf

Originally, the neck scarf was a practical accessory for men. It protected Roman legionnaires from chafing armor, Chinese nobles from the cold, and American cowboys from sand and dust. It was most commonly worn by military personnel; the color of the scarf indicated the regiment of a Roman legionnaire, and it was even part of Napoleon’s army uniform.

The first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the creation of an army to protect him in the afterlife around 220 BC. The terracotta soldiers were adorned with neck scarves. A 1527 engraving by Marco Lente depicts Roman legions wearing scarves. Croatian warriors and Louis XIV also wore them, as did Louise de La Vallière, immortalized by Claude Monet. The scarf became a symbol of elegance and luxury, transitioning from a masculine accessory to a feminine one.

Coco Chanel, who revolutionized women’s fashion by eliminating excessive and ornate decorations, retained the scarf as a timeless accessory. The scarf has been worn by notable figures such as Margaret Thatcher, who favored a bow-style scarf, and George Brummell, a renowned English dandy who elevated the scarf to a staple of men’s fashion.

The Art of Wearing a Scarf

Brummell, often referred to as the male Coco Chanel, transformed men’s fashion into the sleek, black, and formal style we recognize today. The only acceptable accessory was the neck scarf. The art of tying a neck scarf became a subject of extensive study, with entire treatises dedicated to the various knots and styles. Brummell spent days perfecting the most elegant ways to tie a scarf and even conducted masterclasses on the subject.

The only secret Brummell never revealed was how to achieve the sculptural, stiff corner in a scarf. No one could replicate this effect except him. A devoted follower once pursued Brummell to uncover this secret, but to no avail. However, when Brummell fled London due to debts, he left a note for his pursuer with a single word: “starch.” (Another version of the story suggests he left the note in his room for posterity.)

Step by step, neck scarves captured the hearts of not only the elite but also office clerks, artists, royalty, stars, and ordinary people. The neck scarf continues to appear on fashion runways and is poised to become a timeless classic.

Stylist Zhanna Ulasevich’s Commentary

For the spring-summer 2025 season, neck scarves remain a relevant accessory that highlights individuality and style. When choosing a scarf, consider the following tips:

Opt for bright colors and bold prints to add a pop of color to your outfit.
Experiment with different tying techniques to create unique looks.
Pair a scarf with both casual and formal attire to elevate your style.

Dove aims to emphasize the natural beauty and uniqueness of women. Nature, with its endless diversity, serves as a true source of inspiration in their designs. The women’s scarf design combines the strictness of a graphic floral pattern with a bright, vibrant color palette, adding a romantic touch to any ensemble. The inspiration for the design comes from the anticipation of the vibrant colors of spring and summer.