Sun Fashion with a Storied History
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen. These are all essential ways to protect ourselves from the elements and the sun’s damaging rays. There’s another way, too – one with history and a touch of glamour. Scarves.
SurfWriter Girls Sunny and Patti learned that in 1300 BC Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti wore a headscarf. In ancient China and Rome neck scarves were used by the military both for protection and to designate rank. And in the 18th century, French Emperor Napoleon made the scarf a symbol of romance when he gave his wife Josephine a cashmere scarf from India.
Iconic French brand Hermes was the first (in 1937) to design silk scarves imprinted with unique and beautiful patterns. Still the gold standard in scarves, they quickly became fashion accessories coveted by royalty and high society.
SurfWriter Girls got interested in scarves recently when Patti came across a box of vintage scarves in the back of a drawer, including some vivid ones by the acclaimed mid-century designer Vera, who was popular with Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly.
Then, when Patti’s sister Eileen sent us some Anne Klein scarves, we were hooked.
For surfers, traveling to remote surf spots or chilling on the beach, scarves have earned their place in a go-bag. You can wear them around your neck or head, as a wrap, top, or even a skirt. Some scarves come with sun protection factor (SPF) ratings.
Protecting the sensitive skin around the neck and throat, scarves are a way to express yourself, reflecting both the moment and your mood. In cotton, cashmere or silk. Comfy and casual at the beach. Elegant for an evening out.
From royalty to regiments, surfers, and even Spot, the Target dog, scarves are the perfect cover-up.
The books shown tell about the historical settings in which scarves evolved.
Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.