Custom Framing a Silk Scarf

Silk scarves have a longstanding place in fashion history - the finely woven textile became a symbol of luxury when global trade brought silk and cashmere from India and Asia to Europe. We cannot touch on framing a silk scarf without mentioning powerhouse French fashion brand Hermès. Prior to expanding into leather goods and accessories, this heritage brand offered horse riding bridles and harnesses. Hermès introduced the first true luxury silk scarf to their range in the 1930s. Crafted with imported Chinese silk, this fabrication was twice as strong as any other fabric at the time. 

Silk scarves as a styling accessory became a fashion staple in the 1940s and 50s and luxury brands like Dior, Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton have followed in Hermès' footsteps, continuing to include silk scarves with exquisite designs in their ranges ever since.

We were delighted to photograph this completed Louis Vuitton silk scarf as framed by FRAMING TO A T for one of our customers. They were drawn to this scarf design with the vintage LV trunk design as they love to travel.

At the counter, our Design Consultants proposed some frame designs to complement the artwork as well as the client's interiors, and working through some considered designs, we arrived at this handsome frame design to complete their study. The frame is a timber frame with a leather finish - this textural choice a nod to the would-be leather vintage trunk. The mat board selected for the silk scarf to sit atop (and be sewn to) is a french navy suede - a luxe choice for the iconic LV scarf and a complement to the tones in our customer's interiors.

We talk you through the process and answer your frequently asked questions!

How long does it take to frame a silk scarf?

At FRAMING TO A T, we do all of our custom framing in-house in our workshop here in Melbourne and we allow a 2-3 week turnaround for custom framing a silk scarf.

How much does it cost to frame a silk scarf?

Whether you have purchased a scarf from a local maker or a heritage brand - we always encourage quality, conservation, expert framing. 

You may have invested approximately $1,000 in for example an Hermès silk scarf. Custom framing a silk scarf will have many variables with cost dependant on your frame choice, mat board and glass choice. We recommend bringing your scarf in-store, or sharing imagery with us and we can prepare some frame designs to complement the artwork on the scarf and your personal style and then quote accordingly. We recommend allowing an additional $1,000-$2,500 for a 90 x 90cm silk scarf, with the variance allowing for a range of frame styles and glass options.

What is the correct way to frame a silk scarf?

We created a video to share how to frame a silk scarf which talks you through frame selection and the techniques FRAMING TO A T use to frame a silk scarf. 

Often silk scarves will feature a beautifully finished piped edge. We recommend showing this atop a mat board, as it is a beautiful detail to highlight the construction of the textile and also to show that the silk scarf is fabric within the framing. 

We remove wrinkles on the silk scarf by steaming, however the pressed creases from the original boxed scarf will subtly remain.

To secure the silk scarf, it is hand sewn to the conservation base mat. A secondary mat or a timber spacer will then lift the glass away from the fabric to protect it. The silk scarf is framed in your frame style of choice and completed with glass. For art investments we recommend conservation glass or anti-glare UV glass.