April 25, 2007

Knotty by Nature

Vera Neumann Scarves

A silk scarf is a great investment.

If not for covering up greasy hair or going undercover then for kinking it up in the bedroom.

And another twist — art. Vera scarves, those collectibles beloved by vintage and fashion know-it-alls, are being reissued in prints from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.

What makes these more museum-worthy than, say, Hermès or McQueen? Originality aside, each pattern is derived directly from late artist Vera Neumann’s watercolor paintings, replete with her trademark ladybug logo.

You might want to frame them, though punchy colors (oranges, yellows, pinks) and modish designs (pendulum clocks, vertical stripes, fanciful paisley motifs) make them too fun not to wear.

No guarantee that they’ll bring huge monetary returns, but they will come in handy for looking sharp even if you haven’t bathed.

Which is priceless.

Available at Auto, 803-805 Washington Street, between Gansevoort and Horatio Streets (212-229-2292 or thisisauto.com).