Klimt Red Crêpe de Chine Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

This Fox & Chave crêpe de chine silk scarf features the distinctive red polka dot pattern created for the painting Hope II (1907-08) by the Austrian symbolist painter and Art Nouveau pioneer Gustav Klimt (1862-1918).

A striking work that blends beauty and mortality, depicting a pregnant woman in profile, her bowed head crowned with gold and surrounded by abstracted, patterned robes. An unusual and unsettling motif contrasts a skull, symbolising death, sharply with the promise of new life. This tension between creation and resolution is central to the painting’s emotional power.

The earlier version of this painting, Hope I, had been scandalous in its time for showing a pregnant nude; Klimt, undeterred, deliberately returned to the theme with Hope II, this time veiling the nudity in ornamental symbolism to challenge viewers in a more enigmatic, spiritual manner.

COLOURS

STYLING

Wear your Fox & Chave crêpe de chine silk scarf in a variety of ways from the French Knot: Fold scarf in half, loop around neck, pull ends through loop, to the Infinity Knot: Loop scarf twice, tie ends in knot. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.