Morris Iris Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

This natural coloured Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf featuring orange and yellow petals, and vibrant green leaves over a dark green ground derived from a design by John Henry Dearle on behalf of the Morris Company in 1887/8.

The Iris pattern presents a sophisticated evolution of the company’s floral style. Dearle arranged tall, slender irises in vertical repetition, their lance-shaped leaves and curving blossoms creating a sense of upward movement.

Unlike William Morris’s earlier, more densely interlaced patterns, Iris allows each plant to breathe, emphasising form and rhythm while retaining decorative richness. Subtle colour gradations in deep blues, purples and greens heighten the naturalistic effect, while the stylisation of stems and petals hints at medieval manuscript illumination.

Dearle’s work reflects a synthesis of botanical observation, historic reference and formal abstraction, producing a pattern that is both elegant for interior use and visually compelling as a work of design in its own right.

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.