Alice Shirley: the British artist who won over Hermès with a sketchbook

An improbable encounter that changed everything

Born in London in 1984, Alice Shirley studied fine arts at the Byam Shaw School of Art and then at the Prince's Drawing School.

It was at the Royal Drawing School in Shoreditch that she met Hubert and Xavier Guerrand-Hermès, members of the Hermès family. The two brothers playfully argued over who would buy her exhibited sketchbook. She told them it wasn't for sale. As a thank you for buying her book, she sent Hubert a hand-colored etching depicting iguanas ridden by mice. He loved it so much that he sent it to Christine Duvigneau, director of the Studio Dessins, who invited her to come to Paris with her portfolio.

Thus began a career at Hermès.

A natural and mythological universe

Alice Shirley became known for her ability to translate the splendor of the natural world onto silk. Each of her scarves demonstrates her meticulous attention to detail and her passion for conservation, with themes ranging from endangered species to fantastic mythical creatures.

Her designs are inspired by nature, mythology, wildlife, and her travels. Her signature style reflects her deep connection to the natural world and her commitment to conservation.

Her most emblematic creations

Zebra Pegasus (2012) — the first scarf. A winged zebra, half-animal, half-mythological creature. This complex and colorful design was enthusiastically received, marking the beginning of her collaboration with the Parisian house.

Into the Canadian Wild (2017) — the Canadian forest in all its density. Bears, moose, foxes against a backdrop of conifers.

Jaguar Quetzal (2018) — Central America on silk. The jaguar and the quetzal bird, two endangered species, brought together in an explosive composition of colors.

The Three Graces (2020) — inspired by a trip to South Africa, Alice Shirley reinterprets the mythological theme of the Three Graces through the majesty of African wildlife. Three blue giraffes gracefully unfold on a vibrant red background.

Commitment to conservation

Alice Shirley doesn't just paint nature — she defends it. A portion of the profits from the sale of her scarves is donated to conservation organizations, reinforcing her commitment to preserving biodiversity.

In 2020, she partnered with Vanderohe to raise funds for one of the world's leading coral reef restoration programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Alice Shirley? Alice Shirley is a British artist and illustrator born in London in 1984, a collaborator of Hermès since 2012. She is known for her naturalistic scarves depicting wildlife and endangered species.

When did Alice Shirley start working with Hermès? Her collaboration with Hermès began in 2012 after a chance encounter with members of the Hermès family at the Royal Drawing School in London.

What is Alice Shirley's first Hermès scarf? Her first scarf for Hermès is the Zebra Pegasus, created in 2012.

Why are Alice Shirley's scarves so sought after? Her scarves combine naturalistic precision, commitment to conservation, and a unique mythological universe. Their increasing rarity and the artist's reputation make them highly prized collector's items.