Matisse Blue Dance Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A stunning Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf with a design after the work Icarus (1947) by the French Fauvist artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954).

The work is a striking example of his cut-out technique, symbolising human ambition, artistic freedom, and the tension between aspiration and downfall.

The central image is a black silhouette of Icarus against a deep blue background, with a red heart and yellow star-like bursts, the piece captures movement and emotion in a simplified, almost primal form. The black figure contrasts with the vibrant background, evoking both flight and falling, with the red heart perhaps suggesting passion, life, or suffering.

As part of Jazz, Matisse’s book of cut-outs, Icarus reflects his later-life innovation, influencing modern graphic design, abstraction, and visual storytelling.

COLOURS

STYLING

A Fox & Chave habotai silk scarf can be worn with the classic knot style or a pussycat bow. You can even create a shawl effect by knotting two scarves together behind your neck and allowing them to drape over your shoulders. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.