When I first saw Hermès’ Champ de Courses a Chantilly scarf in the Fall/Winter 2026 lineup, my first thought was: this doesn’t really look “new.” Horses, jockeys and spectators fill the square like an old illustration rather than a modern graphic print.

That makes sense. Designed by Maurice Taquoy, the motif was first issued in 1951 and has now returned in a 70-size format. So it is technically a new-season piece, but its charm comes from looking proudly archival.

What makes the design so interesting?

The scene is inspired by a day at the races in Chantilly. The center is packed with horses, riders and spectators, while colorful jockey silks create the border.

Laid flat, it looks traditional. Fold it, though, and the mood changes.

Most of the racing scene disappears, leaving fragments of blue, orange, green, bronze and red. Suddenly it feels less like a vintage equestrian illustration and more like an abstract accessory.

That contrast may be its strongest point. Historical when displayed, but much fresher when worn.

Is the 70 size easier to style?

It is made in France from 100% silk twill with hand-rolled edges and measures about 25 x 25 inches.

Compared with the classic 90, the 70 seems more casual and less dominant. There is enough fabric to show the print, but not so much that it takes over an outfit.

I can picture it with a white shirt, simple knit or trench coat. The smaller size may actually work better. Once folded, the print becomes more about color and rhythm than showing every horse and spectator.

The colorway may matter even more than the print

The U.S. site currently shows combinations including Blanc / Orange / Bleu Ciel, Bleu Ciel / Brique / Bronze, Vanille / Vert / Multicolore, Beige Cendre / Bleu / Multicolore, Blanc / Vert Loden / Bleu Ciel and Cuivre / Bleu / Rouge H.

My eye goes first to Blanc / Orange / Bleu Ciel. The pale blue and orange make the 1950s artwork feel surprisingly crisp. Beige, bronze and deeper green versions lean much more vintage.

Collectors seem to have the same dilemma. On PurseForum, one buyer ordered three colorways to compare, while other members had different favorites once they saw them worn. I get it. With this scarf, the color can change the entire personality.

And then there is the $500 price…

As of September 2026, the U.S. retail price is $500.

For a 25-inch silk scarf, that is obviously expensive. Judged only by function, there are plenty of silk scarves that can do the same job for much less.

But Hermès scarves are rarely about function alone. Here, you are also paying for the hand-rolled finish, French production and an archival Maurice Taquoy design dating back to 1951.

That does not make $500 cheap… but I can understand the appeal. It feels more like a small wearable print than another seasonal accessory.

Who would I actually recommend it to?

I would not call this the safest first Hermès scarf. The artwork is busy, and some earthier colorways could feel a little too classic with a very minimal wardrobe.

But if you like Hermès’ equestrian world, or prefer pieces where the artwork matters more than the logo, this one makes much more sense.

What I like most is that it does not try hard to look new. It is a Fall 2026 release built around a 1951 design, yet in the smaller 70 format and the right colorway it can look unexpectedly current.

Vintage when flat, modern when tied… maybe that contradiction is exactly why it keeps catching my eye.