That’s a Wrap: Roland NY’s Rosalind P. Walter Collection of Silk Scarves Sale

Roland NY of Glen Cove, NY is presenting the Rosalind P. Walter Collection of Silk Scarves sale on June 8, 2024. This single-owner collection features 272 lots of premier scarves and other accessories owned by Rosalind P. Walter. A philanthropist, Walter (American, 1924 – 2020) was best known for her support for the humanities, environment, public television programming, and educational opportunities. During World War II, at the age of 19, she worked in an aircraft factory in Bridgeport, CT and was the inspiration behind the 1942 song, Rosie the Riveter. Here are some highlights from this upcoming event that caught the attention of the AuctionDaily team.

Stunning silk scarves by the French brand Hermès take center stage at this colorful sale, with over 200 lots on offer. All eyes are certain to be on lot #68, the company’s Cave Felem, which is estimated at USD 200 to $300. It measures 90 cm square and was made in the late 20th century. It is decorated with a black and white tuxedo cat, flowers, greenery, bugs, mice, and other field and forest animals in a tiled, mosaic style. The image was designed by Christine Henry and debuted in 1998. The scarf is sold with its original box and packing papers.

Hermès began producing scarves as an extension of their fashion production in 1937. The first one was designed by Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of Emile Hermès, who was the grandson of the company founder Thierry Hermès. Each Hermès scarf design takes about 1.5 years to go from concept to production, and the company has traditionally released about a dozen new patterns per year. Universally beloved for their quality, integrity, and remarkable coloration, enthusiasts have included Queen Elizabeth, Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis, and Madonna.

Scarves by the Italian brand Gucci also feature prominently in this sale, with 54 examples on offer. Lot #222, Gucci’s Insects from the 1990s to early 2000s period, is estimated at $200 to $300. This as-new scarf measures approximately 34 inches square and includes its original box, papers, and tags. It is decorated with iridescently colored garden bugs including butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, and grasshoppers, as well as a sprinkle of pansies, daisies, and other blooms.

Flora and fauna have featured prominently in Gucci’s scarf history. In 1966, Gucci created a scarf especially for Princess Grace because the company felt nothing was outstanding enough in the existing line for the royal. It was designed by Vittorio Accornero and simply named Flora. This pattern was printed in 37 different colors, themed to the four seasons, and was decorated with a collection of insects and flowers. This now iconic design would go on to influence the creative direction of the firm’s clothing, handbag, and jewelry lines for the next half-century.

Eye-catching scarves by the French brand Cartier are another important category in this event, with eight lots available. Lot #266, Must de Cartier Paris’ Panthère Jewels, is estimated at $200 to $300. This predominately black, white, and gray example is decorated with concentric circles, a standing panther, and diamond-embellished Art Deco-inspired jungle gems. It dates from the 1990s to early 2000s and is in fine condition. It is being sold with its box and papers and measures about 34 inches square.

The panther has been synonymous with Cartier for more than a century. Jeanne Toussaint joined Cartier’s design team in 1913. She loved panthers and felt they would be a good theme for Cartier, given their elegance, sophistication, and strength. By 1914, a panther appeared as part of a print ad for the company. They quickly became part of the luxury firm’s branding, and to this day, panthers appear as integral design elements in the company’s fine jewelry, watches, handbags, and other accessories.

The Italian firm Ferragamo is known for its exquisitely designed accessories, including silk scarves. Lot #258, the company’s Flowers from the 1990s to early 2000s, is estimated at $200 to $300. It is decorated with greenery, orange buds, and white, cream, and blue flowers on a gray background. This as-new scarf is being sold with its original box, papers, and tags and measures about 34 inches square.

Ferragamo’s silk scarf line debuted in the 1970s and was championed by Fulvia Ferragamo, Salvatore’s daughter. The first examples were decorated with animals made from flowers– meaning they came to life through leaves, petals, buds, and other plant materials blended together as a mosaic. Soon after, versions just spotlighting flowers or jungle animals were introduced. According to the company, it takes a month and dozens of sketches to develop the final version of any scarf produced today.

Accessories by other world-renowned designers and firms including Tiffany and Judith Leiber round out this exciting sale. Lot #272, a stunning vintage Judith Leiber Austrian crystal hard shell clutch with its original chain strap and push lock, is estimated at $200 to $300. This bejeweled example is in like new condition and measures about 6.5 inches tall.

For more information on Roland NY’s  Rosalind P. Walter Collection of Silk Scarves sale on June 8, 2024 and to register to bid, visit LiveAuctioneers. 

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