The (Abigail) Frame Effect
Opening a new world of collecting
The Abigail Frame changed the way I collect
Here are the questions I used to ask myself when choosing a scarf: Will I be able to see the cute tiny dog in the center? I wonder if this border is too big? Will these colors look good on me? Of course these are valid if you are looking to simply wear your scarf, but now we have a whole other solution to buying the scarf you actually want.
Over the years there have been so many scarves that I’ve LOVED, but haven’t added to my collection because they’ve incorporated elements that I know I don’t love on me. But now I feel like the scarf world is my oyster and this might be a dangerous development, thanks to The Abigail Frame.
There is an Abigail Frame restock on Wednesday, November 26th and I am introducing a new size, which is the 55cm (and will also fit a 45cm size) and you’ll see it here first.
So let’s talk about the scarves that I already have in my personal collection that totally come to life in my Abigail Frame and the ones I have on my list to purchase for my frame and why.
First let me introduce the new 55cm size
You are the first to see the 55cm Abigail Frame. However, this is my unpainted prototype. I am waiting for my final 55cm from Goodman Lafon, but it should be here in the new few days, but wanted to include it here! Although this is the perfect time to ask: Do you like the natural frame look or prefer the white? Let me know in the poll below.
On the left is the Abigail Frame displaying a 55cm Kermit Oliver bandana and on the right a 45cm pocket square! Yes, we’ve designed the patent pending magnet system to support both sizes in the 55cm. The 45cm in this frame offers a larger matte space for a more contemporary look and the fit of the 55cm is proportionate to a 45cm scarf in the 45cm frame.
Now let’s look at how the frame bridges the gap between collecting and wearing and what I am shopping for to frame:
1. Grails
If you have grails that you are nervous to wear and want to maintain their pristine condition, now you can display them without stretching them or risking flattening the edges. This grail 24 Au Faubourg will be available in the December 10th restock and I had no worries whatsoever about displaying it in the frame for this photo since the Abigail Frame is art conservation approved for silk and will not distort or damage your scarf.
This scarf even has the paper store tag and I was still able to display it perfectly. Finally a way to enjoy our scarves that are pristine with tags and keep them that way!
Here are some other 45cm motifs that definitely have cult followings too:
2. Gallery Wall: Multiple Colorways
I have been open before about never duplicating colorways. My collecting style always reflected having a favorite colorway of a motif and going with that one. But now, I am envisioning gallery walls galore. I told you this was dangerous. I definitely need to do some closet reorganizing to make some gallery wall room, but I absolutely love these two together and actually think 4 could be amazing. This motif feels like modern art already and looks so pretty in a frame, if I do say so myself.
Here are some other 45cm motifs that definitely have that modern art feel and would look pretty in multiple colorways too:
3. Appreciating the Detail
Cheval Surprise is actually one that could definitely fit the above modern art category and it would look amazing in multiple colorways, but it’s also one that loses some of the detail when worn. When it’s on, you see some of the graphic paint splatter, which I love, but what you don’t see are the hidden horses. Being able to display it and view it flat on the wall, lets all those details jump out.
Here are some other 45cm motifs where the details can really be appreciated on the wall:
3. Unflattering Colorway
We’ve all been there. It’s the colorway you’re so attracted to, pick up, try on and decide it washes you out and put it back. But now we have a reason to take that favorite one home. Although it might not look the most flattering on, it might look gorgeous on the wall and make you so happy to admire.
And sometimes I do wear the unflattering colorways anyway because there are so many other ways to enjoy them other than around the neck. Wear it as a belt, tied onto a bag, in the hair or sometimes I try to break up the color with a turtle neck so the color isn’t right next to my skin.
I loved this yellow colorway, but will admit I love it so much more in The Abigail Frame.
Great ideas Abigail. Most of us end up with some scarves we preserve as collectible and some we wear. And scarves are works of art that deserve to be shared in their full glory.