SJP for the Gap; Gisèle in the Sept VOGUE Fall Fashion tome

The August Ascot

During a recent stroll through Ann Taylor, I noticed an abundance of gorgeous long silk scarves marked down 50%, while most other fall sale merchandise was on its first markdown. Could it be that women did not know what to do with these scarves? A sales associate concurred, yes. This scarf, you see, was intended to be worn as an ascot, and notwithstanding the ubiquitous Gap/SJP "How do you wear it?" campaign, most of us need a little guidance to pull off this accessory with confidence. (Vogue with photographer Craig McDean, Fashion Editor Tabitha Simmons and model Gisèle Bündchen did it beautifully in the September 2004 fashion story "About A Boy.") As the "one person who knows" was off that day at my Washington, DC store, Ann Taylor execs should have merchandised this fun, gender-bending look with a simple little brochure showing how it's done.