nice scarf

Subtly elegant, this toasty scarf is from Peru's Raquel and Gregor. Artisans weave the scarf on traditional looms in blue, grey and black in a mesmerizing basketweave pattern. Long fringe accents both ends.

From the Central American Yama Aj Chixot Artisan Group comes this cozy cotton scarf in gunmetal grey and off-white. Designed for both comfort and style, the scarf features an openwork fabric design with lovely fringed edges. The artists use a floor loom to create the pattern, encouraged by the head artisan whose ultimate goal is to preserve this form of art. He continues to teach women how to engage in this practice, which has traditionally been dominated by men. He says, "The scarf is soft and pretty and the color scheme makes it much more colorful and elegant."

This scarf displays various shades of gray in a classic design by Peru's Felipe Berckholtz. The men's scarf is woven with the wool from the season's first shear, termed baby alpaca and much sought after for its soft, lightweight warmth. The ancient Inca discovered the attributes of this fiber, reserving it for the exclusive use of the aristocracy.

By Vinita in Thailand, this exquisite scarf combines elegant tones of gray, white and olive green. The motifs are created by hand using the tie-dye technique, which makes every scarf a unique work of art. The artisan uses luxurious hand spun silk, with its characteristic slightly rough textures.

Versatile with lightweight warmth, this reversible alpaca-blend cloak is great for travel in changeable climates. Modeled after the Andean ruana, a traditional style of draped cloak, its pattern of flowers in smoky grey and black is inspired by the wildlife of the Peruvian mountainside. The generous attached scarf and button front keep you warm when winds pick up.