Medieval Manuscript Chiffon Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A subtle Fox & Chave silk chiffon scarf that features floral elements, fruit and insects extracted from the decorative borders of Flemish book of hours created c. 1510-1520 in Flanders, most likely in Bruges.

These elements were lavishly illustrated in the margins of such books to celebrate the beauty of God's creation and enhance private devotion. These natural forms, rendered with near-botanical precision, carried layered symbolism: strawberries for purity, violets for humility, and butterflies as symbols of resurrection.

Insects like bees or flies were sometimes added to display the illuminator’s skill or suggest the transience of life. The rich borders, often called ghirlande or strewn borders, brought the sacred texts to life, blending spiritual meaning with the material splendour of the natural world.

COLOURS

STYLING

There are many ways to style a Fox & Chave chiffon silk scarf including the basic drape, belted drape and reverse drape. Our chiffon silk scarfs look really good worn in the bandit knot or faux infinity style too. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.