Philadelphia International Arts Festival Collaborates with Hermes

What is Paris fashion without Hermes?

Exactly.

This is why organizers at The Philadelphia Festival of the Arts - PIFA - are psyched about the Paris-based accessories giant, Hermes' decision to design one of its coveted silk scarves in honor of PIFA. For those of you who don't quite understand the bigness of this fashion coup,  Hermes is best known for its obscenely expensive Birkin bag. In terms of fashion credibility, Philadelphia couldn't buy this kind of, Vogue-worthy cachet. A scarf for little old us. From Hermes? Get it?

Hermes occasionally collaborates with marquee events and causes around the world. However, this is the first time the company has tied itself to Philadelphia. The scarf - which organizers hope will be a collector's item - features a graphic of the Hermes horse fashioned from PIFA's signature cube. The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts is written on one of the cubes in a teeny, tiny print. The scarf is named À Cheval sur son Carré - that means Straddling My Square in English.

How did Philly get such a must-have fashion accessory in their honor? Apparently Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center, wrote a letter to Hermes asking them collaborate with PIFA.  They agreed to make a limited run of 125 scarves - that includes a donation of five scarves- The scarves are $385 and are available at the Hermes in the Plaza at King of Prussia. But one scarf will be especially displayed at both the PIFA Opening Gala tomorrow,  April 7 and Friday April 8 during the fashion reception and show and PIFA be taking bids for a silent auction. A percentage of proceeds - they won't say how much -  will be donated to PIFA. Organizers hope the festival will become a bi-annual event.