As New! Fascinating, Colourful ‘Le Fil d’Ariane’ (Ariadne’s Thread)

A must for all classicists – can you find your way out of this fascinating and unusually coloured, unworn, Hermes Scarf? The design is a representation of the ancient Greek story of Ariadne assisting her lover to escape a labyrinth, using a piece of thread; and of course included are a variety of Hermes motifs along the way! The scarf was created by Natsuno Hidaka in 2015. We would have described the scarf as MINT but unfortunately it has been incorrectly folded.

Hermes writes:

“Western culture is rooted in the mythology of ancient Greece: extraordinary tales that capture the human soul, stories of love, jealousy, hatred and infidelity between gods and mortals. Minos, King of Crete, is horrified by the son born to his wife Pasiphaë, fathered by a white bull: the minotaur, a creature with a bull’s head and the body of a man. At the King’s request, the architect Dedalus builds a complex structure of narrow galleries, dead ends and false trails leading nowhere. Only Minos knows the way in and out. Here, the Minotaur is imprisoned. Once a year – or every three years, or nine, accounts vary – seven young men and seven young women are delivered into the labyrinth, never to re-emerge. Until Theseus, a valiant Athenian warrior, offers to destroy the monster. Ariadne, daughter of Minos and Pasiphaë, falls in love with the young hero at first sight, and presents him with a reel of thread, so that he may find his way out once the enemy has been slain: le fil d’Ariane, Ariadne’s thread. Inspired by Dedalus, Natsuno Hidaka’s designe is a striking labyrinth, inviting the eye to wander to the heart of its fascinating geometry.”

ScarfSage writes;

“Natsuno Hidaka is an enigmatic and talented designer whose work has made a significant mark on the luxury fashion house, Hermès. Despite limited available information about her personal life and artistic journey, her beautifully designed scarves speak volumes about her creativity, technical prowess, and eye for detail.

Hidaka’s unique ability to imbue her designs with intricate stories and cultural nuances sets her work apart. Each of her scarves is more than just a fashion statement, it’s an artistic expression that captures the beauty of diverse cultures and the intricate details of life itself.

Among her iconic scarves for Hermès are the “Turandot“, “Lumières de Paris“, “Ballade de Heian“, “Esprit Aïnou“, “Rose Compas II“, and “Le fil d’Ariane“ scarves.

The “Turandot” scarf showcases a colorful and intricate depiction of the renowned Puccini opera, while “Lumières de Paris” captures the essence of the City of Lights with its vibrant representation of Parisian landmarks. “Ballade de Heian” offers a visual ode to the Heian era of Japan, whereas “Esprit Aïnou” reflects the spirit and culture of the indigenous Ainu people. “Rose Compas II” is a delightful blend of floral and navigational motifs, and “Le fil d’Ariane” beautifully narrates the myth of Ariadne’s thread in a labyrinth.

Through her creations for Hermès, Natsuno Hidaka has proven that her artistry transcends boundaries. Her ability to capture the essence of different cultures, stories, and elements within her designs has solidified her reputation as a noteworthy contributor to the prestigious legacy of Hermès scarf designers.”