From where we are sitting, just about any scarf is unisex. Floral, grandmotherly silk swatch? We can make it work. So these self-tagged unisex scarves from Symmetry are not doing us any favors in the “can we?” department, but they do have other attributes to speak of. Japanese fabrics, yes, yes, we have been there. But what is this? Leather straps with hand-cast carabiners?

“We are also obsessed with functionality, as that is the idea behind the brand—keeping the scarf in place, in a functional yet aesthetically interesting way,” Symmetry replies. “Our square scarf, the Dixon, also transforms into a tote bag.”

Well, shit. We are suckers for the right amount of gadgetry. Though, other than the occasional trade show lanyard, we have never tried straps and fasteners around our necks. We are willing, however, as these are interesting to look at. Symmetry also offers up some leather goods (belt, pouch, wallet) and a nylon poncho—all of it made in Los Angeles and available here.

More looks in our gallery…

Scarves, ties, handkerchiefs and whatnots for the gents, ladies, kids and tiny dogs in your life. The Hill-Side is back for Spring/Summer 2012. Chambrays, polka dots, florals, indigos and Ikats return, all shot in their trademark photobooth style. Models are given a miss, instead recruiting friends and associates to wear the goods. Enjoy.  Now with updated photos.

We originally previewed this collection at Pitti Uomo.

Available now at Barneys New York and next week online is the new line of Spring/Summer 2012 scarves from director, Harvard alum and accessories designer Alexander Olch. Fancy lightweight cotton jobs, these are designed and manufactured in New York City. These branch out a bit from his Ivy league fineries, though some of them look a lot like really, really nice dishtowels. Then again, we have occasionally wished some of our favorite dishtowels were the right size and texture to wear as scarves.

More looks in our gallery…

Junya Watanabe Man offers this Bandana Print scarf, legitimately allowing you to wear this pattern once again. Yeah, we’re talking to you, guy who spent his teens with one tied around his forehead in an ill-judged homage to Axl Rose. Behind you is that other guy. The one who attempted the neckerchief then realised his neck/head proportions meant he looked more like a stewardess. This substantial alternative is 100% wool and will work with just about anything; work garms, weekend garms, indoors-wear, thanks to the understated shade of blue and subtle paisley pattern. Goodhood has them.

Wintercheck Factory works with New York based artist, Rane + Colt on a run of summit scarves. Made in Brooklyn from remnants of past Wintercheck fabrics, specifically a Japanese tencel/cotton/polyester blend used on shirting. The scarves are wearable in any season. $22 from Wintercheck.

More look after the click.

Mister Freedom has knocked up some excellent scarves using much sought after Boro textiles. This traditional Japanese patchwork indigo fabric is the holy grail for anyone who enjoys watching blue fade. As Mr Loiron describes; ‘The fabrics are assorted, ranging from circa 1850′s~1930′s, and selected from our textile archives. Home spun, cotton, hemp, natural indigo, katazome prints, plaids, solids…’ Each piece is individual and very much limited (there’s only so much antique folk fabric scraps to go round y’know) each with its own leather ring slider to keep it in place. Track yours down here.

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A unique take on the neck scarf form Carga. Their “wool wrap” is a knitted scarf with a clasp attached to allow for various wears: over the shoulder, across the back. Wear it as you please. Carga has made less than 20 of their wool wraps. They use Italian wool and hand made them in Catalonia, Spain. Available now online.

More looks after the click.

Berlin store Soto has launched first products from their in-house label, Le Berlinois, this week. Focussing on quality basics, the Le Berlinois Cashmere Collection consists of crewneck and v-neck sweaters, as well as beanies and scarves. Made of 100% Mongolian cashmere, all styles are offered in a series of colors, that will for sure get you through the cold winter. And we all know, that on cold winter days, nothing beats a nice cashmere set.

The Le Berlinois Cashmere Collection is now available online from Soto.

More looks after the click.

Seasonally proper, the Jack Spade Nestor Cigarette scarf reminds me of the classic work sock pattern that lumberjacks enjoyed. Truth is, the scarf is more than proper for almost all. Buy it as a gift or enjoy it for yourself. Park & Bond has it.

More looks after the click.

An interesting number from Steven Alan. Quilting seems like a good way forward this winter. For retaining warmth and just giving you that puffed up n’ protected feeling there’s nothing better. This one is designed to keep your neck happy but its uses are many: pillow, bottle protector, a quilt for your pet snake. It’s hard to argue with a scarf this versatile. Cotton/nylon mix, a subtle check on one other side, block colour on the reverse, find it a Garbstore.

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