Early America: Two Hermès scarves to celebrate the origins of the United States
Created by Françoise de la Perrière , the Hermès Early America scarf is an iconic piece in the house's heritage collection. At the crossroads of history, folk art, and French refinement, there are actually two distinct versions of this scarf, often confused but with notable differences in both composition and intention.
Two editions, two stories
The first version , simply titled Early America , was first published in 1976 , on the occasion of the United States bicentennial . It celebrates American folk arts of the 18th century, and more specifically the art of paper cutting , with a complex ornamental pattern, richly symmetrical, but without a central figure .
In 1981 , Hermès released a second version , often called Early America II by collectors, although this designation is not officially printed on the scarf. This special edition commemorates the 250th anniversary of the birth of Martha Washington , born in 1731.
The main graphic difference is the addition in the center of the square of the couple formed by George and Martha Washington , founders of the young American republic, who were absent from the original version.
A tribute to folk art and its founding figures
The style of the square, in both its versions, remains true to the delicate world of Françoise de la Perrière. It draws its inspiration from the symmetrical motifs of "Scherenschnitt," this art of paper cutting that originated in Europe and was popularized in the American colonies.
But by integrating the Washington couple into the center of the motif in 1981, Hermès added an explicit historical dimension , making this scarf a commemorative piece , more personal, anchored in an anniversary date and in a precise political and symbolic context.
A rare and coveted piece
The 1981 version with Martha and George Washington has never been reissued , unlike the original 1976 version, which has been reissued several times since 1984. This rarity, combined with the richness of its composition and the precision of its execution, makes it a highly sought-after piece for collectors today.
