An Uncommon Insight into the Workshop That Has Produced Chanel's Iconic Silk Scarves for More Than Fifty Years

      In May, Keira Knightley, Sofia Coppola, Lupita Nyong'o, and various fashion insiders gathered on the sunny terrace of Villa d’Este in Lake Como, where Chanel hosted its Cruise 2025/2026 runway show in Italy. The location perfectly complemented the collection, featuring glamorous items that you would expect in the fashionable luggage of a woman vacationing in the luxurious resort: pink swimsuits with matching coverups, airy blue pant sets cinched with chain belts, tiered evening gowns, quilted 25 bags, and printed silk scarves. I later discovered that the scarves showcased in the collection have a special connection to the area, as they are made by the Mantero silk manufacturer based in the region—an insight I gained during my visit to Lake Como with Chanel alongside various global creative talents this October. After arriving at Malpensa airport, we enjoyed a scenic drive from Milan to Lake Como and entered the unique Villa d’Este. Upon arrival, we settled for lakeside tea on the veranda, at the very spot where the Cruise 2025/2026 collection had been presented just months earlier. It was an afternoon to appreciate the stunning locale and view the runway scarves up close. Each of the six scarves featured in the Chanel Cruise 2025/2026 collection is a distinctive reissue from the Mantero archives, resurrecting iconic designs originally created by Karl Lagerfeld during his time as Creative Director for the fashion house.

      Although the silk scarf is a universally classic accessory, it has recently made a strong comeback as a must-have item in both runway shows and street style. For those seeking iconic scarf prints from previous decades, Chanel is reintroducing some of its most sought-after designs for these special rereleases. "The reissued scarves from the ’80s and ’90s bring back all that vintage magic I adore," shares Sabrina Lan, "with classic logos, bold patterns, and that unmistakable Chanel energy that remains timeless."

      With designs featuring woven chains, interlocking double-Cs, and elegant florals, the reissued scarves revive some of Chanel's most recognized prints, linked to significant moments in the fashion house's history. "When I think of the early ’90s Chanel shows, I recall that bold, Baroque energy with silk scarves tied all around," reflects Vicky Montanari, reminiscing about the archival Chanel moments where the scarves first appeared. "The prints were iconic, showcasing the same gold chains, colors, and attitude. I love that those styles still feel modern today."

      Teatime quickly transformed into a moment of creativity with the scarves. Guests styled them in various innovative ways, whether folded into classic headscarves, draped over shoulders, tied onto bags, or used as belts. “I enjoy wearing my scarf tied around my neck or as a headscarf when I’m on the go,” Christie Tyler shares about her accessory styling. “I like to keep the rest of my outfit minimal to let the scarf’s intricate patterns shine.”

      The beauty of the satin scarf lies in its versatility and its ability to reflect the wearer’s style. Worn around the neck, it channels an ‘80s Left Bank Parisian bourgeois vibe. When tied under the chin as a headscarf, it evokes the classic elegance of 1950s film stars. “Wearing the scarf on my head instantly elevates even the simplest outfit, making it feel effortlessly chic,” Lan shares about her look. “There’s a timeless quality to it. It gives me that Old Hollywood star feeling while still feeling authentically me. It’s classic, but with a contemporary twist that suits my everyday style.”

      The following day, we received exclusive access to Mantero, the historic silk-maker established in Como in 1902, that has collaborated with Chanel since 1973. With a partnership spanning over half a century, the rich collaborative history is comparable to the extensive collection of archives housed at Mantero. Upon entering the atelier, we delved into the vast array of vintage scarf designs and witnessed firsthand how they are meticulously crafted.

      Today, under the guidance of the fourth generation of the Mantero family, it became evident that the Chanel scarves are cherished with passion, history, and expertise within the atelier. "I was immediately impressed by the pride everyone exhibited, from Lucia, the great-great-granddaughter of founder Riccardo Mantero, to the archivists, CEO, and production team,” Moya Mawhinney shared. “Their passion for Mantero’s history and their roles was palpable, and that enthusiasm was infectious. It felt as if all that pride and positivity was woven into each of their pieces.”

      The extensive archives at the headquarters house a library of thousands of Chanel scarves designed by the fashion house over the past fifty years. As we entered the archives, we were greeted by rows showcasing the meticulous catalog of scarves from various decades. “We had such an incredible time exploring the Chanel archives and browsing a