Online - February 22, 2005

Throat Culture

Kaia Scarflet

Pity the poor scarf.

It gets caught on earrings and in subway doors. It can’t stay on a hanger. And at this point in the season, it’s pretty gnarly from its tenure as your sneeze guard. (Gross, man. Get a tissue.)

A (sanitary) breath of new life for the accessory: the hand-crocheted Kaia scarflet, which fits snugly around your neck like a cuff. The mohair-wool band comes in colors both classic and funky (camel, black, and burgundy) and is adorned with either a butterfly or a crystal flower brooch.

And that’s it. No long strands that require triple wrapping. No billowy nonsense flapping in the wind.

It’s a practical way to keep your neck toasty when you’re outdoors. Indoors, it’s a snazzy alternative to the necklace.

But just to reiterate: In no place is it a good substitute for a Kleenex.

Available online at store.virginthreads.com.