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John Ruthven x Grey Hall Design Artist Collaboration
Your Bengal Tiger game day spirit-wear is now available in a whole new realm of luxury! Thanks to a beautiful collaboration with renowned wildlife artist, John Ruthven, we are elevating the playing field of your football flair with an Hermes-like quality silk twill ~ 38"x38" scarf and 16"x16" pocket square. The vibrant orange is electric and sets the scene of quite the exotic jungle.
Let me take you back in time just a bit!
With a friendship between our families dating back generations, it was truly serendipitous that I should re-connect with John's grandson, Matt Weissman, who initiated the idea for a collaboration. Having possessed a love for John Ruthven's art for years, it really was quite an honor to be given the challenge to design a silk scarf and pocket square that would bring our different artistic styles together in one composition.
Both having roots in Cincinnati, Ohio, it was only fitting to step into a collaboration that would celebrate this common bond via our beloved Bengal Tiger. Thus the vision was aligned, sketching began and here we are with an absolutely striking display of Bengal spirit and pride. The leading character, John’s fierce Bengal Tiger, is ready to pounce out of my watercolor jungle. Ruthven's incredibly lifelike Bengal Tiger possesses captivating eyes and realistic striped coat juxtaposed against a monochromatic, dense orange jungle. The outcome, a dramatic crescendo fitting for a gallery wall in a beautiful frame or adorning the neck or pocket as wearable art for football fans everywhere.
*Here is a picture from 2018 when my husband, Matt, and I had the privilege of meeting John and hearing is captivating stories!
GO BENGALS!
How to Identify the Finest Silk Twill for Your Next Silk Scarf
~ The Essence of Silk Twill
Silk twill is renowned for its distinct weave pattern. Take a close look at your silk scarves, do you notice a very fine ribbing? Characterized by distinct diagonal lines in a subtle texture with the most beautiful sheen.
~ Luxurious Softness and Comfort
One of the most alluring aspects of silk twill is its luxurious softness against the skin. The weaving technique creates a dense fabric with a smooth surface, resulting in the most gentle touch when being worn. This inherent comfort makes silk twill scarves a delight to wear throughout the seasons, providing both warmth in cooler months and breathability during warmer weather.
~ Vivid Colors and Designs
We pride ourselves on delivering gorgeous, rich colors in each of our silk scarves. The intricate weave of silk twill acts as a canvas for vibrant colors and intricate designs. The fabric's ability to hold rich pigments ensures that every hue is brought to life with unparalleled brilliance. Whether it's a classic woodland creature motif, a whimsical and loose composition, or a very detailed pattern, silk twill scarves showcase designs with stunning clarity and precision.
~ Versatility and Durability
While silk twill scarves exude an air of luxury, they are also remarkably versatile and durable. The tight weave structure contributes to the fabric's resistance to wrinkles, ensuring that your scarf retains its impeccable appearance even after hours of wear. This durability ensures that silk twill scarves become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations.
~ Care and Maintenance
Caring for silk twill scarves is a testament to their enduring quality. Gentle hand washing with Johnson's Baby Shampoo, air dry and then steam or lightly iron ~ OR dry clean to preserve the delicate fibers and maintain the scarf's integrity. Proper care not only sustains the luxurious texture but also ensures that the colors and designs remain as vibrant as the day they were acquired. **But very importantly, do not iron the hand-rolled edge and if dry cleaning, be sure to inform them of the same. Once the artisan quality of the hand-rolled edge is flattened and compromised, it will not "bounce back" to it's original dimension and beauty.**
~ Embracing Timeless Elegance
In an era where trends come and go, silk twill scarves are a classic staple in your wardrobe with timeless elegance. Their quality craftsmanship, luxurious softness, and captivating designs make them cherished accessories that transcend generations. Whether draped around the neck, tied to a handbag, or worn as a headscarf, the finest silk twill scarves epitomize sophistication and allure. Even better, they make it easy to hop from yoga to running errands by simply tossing around your neck or tucking under your puffer vest! (Tips for How to Wear a Silk Scarf)
~ Enduring Symbol of Refined Style
Elevate your wardrobe with the timeless allure of silk twill – a choice that resonates with those who seek both luxury and lasting beauty.
Dreaming of Sea Island ~ The Cloister in Silky Blues
The timeless elegance of blue and white never ceases to fade. It's classic aesthetic is like a fresh breeze. Thus when we took to sketching the next generation Sea Island silk scarf and pocket square for The Cloister gift shop, this monochromatic color palette very quickly transitioned from a dreamy design of very loose watercolor brush strokes in varying hues of cobalt blue to the most beautiful interpretation of a custom-designed toile in an azure blue color scheme with white.
Expanding the featured vignettes to include the very romantic Sea Island Chapel was a must when designing the silk scarf composition! ~If you haven't discovered this charming cottaged tucked into the shadow of The Cloister itself, nearly hidden behind Palm trees and fauna with a curtain of Spanish moss, be sure to make a visit next time you are among the Golden Isles of Georgia. Its stain glass windows are breathtaking.
Organizing all painted scenes to nest together in a pleasing cadence, while ensuring each gem sparkled in its own right was quite the design challenge. And then, enabling a repeatable design for each side of the square so that from a distance, the visual contouring of the scarf as a whole would reflect fashion and art... elevated to a new level of creativity.
Discover the intricate details of all that is featured in this special Sea Island x Grey Hall Design silk scarf and pocket square collaboration:
- The Cloister
- Black Banks Terrace, The Cloister
- The Lodge, Sea Island Golf Club
- Sea Island Explorer
- The Beach Club at Sea Island
- The Chapel at Sea Island
art prints and notecards in addition to the silk scarf and pocket square are also available at the Shop at Sea Island ~ (912) 643-3296
Cheers to Blue & White forever!
💙🤍
Xx
How to Wear a Silk Scarf ~ made simple!
"How to wear a silk scarf!?" is the question we hear time and again!
Put all pre-conceived ideas out of your head because no rules apply here! Silk scarves actually give lots of freedom to elevate the most simplistic outfits and instantly transform them into a polished, chic look.
The Parisians have mastered this art. And why must they!? With closets the size of a high school locker, necessity is the mother of all invention. Silk Scarves require almost no space at all in your wardrobe and they make a big impact when worn. Thus, when in Paris walking down the Champs-Elysees, it is nearly a sea of all black, yet each passerby strolls with effortless sophistication and style. It's hard not to wonder how this is possible in one of the fashion capitals of the world when all black clothing dominates the landscape? Upon taking a closer look, it is resoundingly clear... the silk scarf accessory. Tied in dozens of unique ways, a pop of color in a rainbow of hues, and endless design themes, each similar version of black ensemble becomes distinctive and individual to her personal aesthetic.
We want to remove the mystique, the complication and the intimidation of tying a silk scarf, because we promise --it's really not so hard!! Discover simple and easy ways to wear a silk scarf in our "How To" videos. You will appreciate how the same exact outfit takes on a whole new style as Page demonstrates how to tie a silk scarf a different way in each video.
Tie around your head as a headband, neck as a necklace or waist as a belt and with a few select pieces of jewelry, you too can be ready for the avenues of Paris.
A true - MUST HAVE - in your wardrobe is a silk scarf. Choosing to invest in a classic and timeless fashion accessory will not only elevate your most simple clothing pieces, but actually make it easier and faster to solve any wardrobe dilemmas and run out the door. Toss a scarf on & go!
Xx
How to Choose a Silk Scarf - A Must-Have for your Wardrobe
To what color are you drawn? Pick a silk scarf based on color first! If you LOVE the color, it will be magnetic in your wardrobe. You will reach for it time and again if it's a color that makes you feel beautiful.
Secondly, choose a silk scarf based on theme that inspires you. The subject matter of the design should spark an emotive connection, uplift, intrigue or represent a favorite personal motif.
Thirdly, look for artisan quality that will last as an heirloom you can hand-down to generations. As you investigate, look for:
- color saturation on both sides of the scarf
- drapability and hand of the silk twill
- hand-rolled edge ~ this is the mark of a luxury silk scarf! That gorgeous dimensional edge is the most special detail
We boast a lovely 38"x38" silk square that is actually a couple inches larger than the traditional 36" designer silk scarves on the market. Hands-down, we have received unsolicited compliments that ladies LOVE the slightly larger size as they can do more with it. For example, it's possible to tie your scarf as a belt and not just knot the ends, but have enough length to tie a bow! We just love the feminine touch this brings.
**PLUS, our silk scarves dry clean beautifully!! Be sure to tell your premium cleaner to NOT press the rolled-edge of the scarf and voila! You will be thrilled with the end result.
Enjoy the hunt for the perfect silk scarf for your wardrobe!
Xx
How to Tie a Silk Scarf - with Designed by Dixon
Designed by Dixon's Anna Louise appreciates this secret weapon more than anyone and invited us to see just how she does it!
Anna Louise (AL) of Designed by Dixon is our go-to for down to earth style, sophistication and great everyday ideas. She styled our Chinoiserie in the Jungle silk scarf demonstrating how easy our Luxury 38"x38" designer silk squares are to add a pop of color and unique touch to any outfit. Discover AL's favorite ways to wear and get inspired!
Toss around a ponytail if you're not sure what kind of a hair day you're having, or if you're looking to add a touch of spunk to a traditional outfit, wrap around your wrist.
Helloooo to the voluminous bow is the signature look AL fell in love with to accessorize her seagrass purse when adding our silk scarf. It is that simple & easy!
Silk scarves are a must-have staple in your wardrobe and can be tied in a multitude of ways.
We hope you are as inspired as Anna Louise to try wearing a silk scarf in a new way today!
Xx