Paula Bianco Brings Bold To Necklines

Last year, some of the best scarves making a debut were as much about art as they were wrapping a neckline. And one of most interesting lines turned fantastical images into decorative fashion. 

This year, the opposite holds true. Instead of relying on artistic designs to make a statement, some of the most interesting designs rely on textures instead. Not only do they look as warm as they feel, but the chunky bulk also lends a sophisticated practicality to everything they accentuate. 

The infinity scarf by Paula Bianco is simple and striking. 

While retaining a modern flair with intracate loops and knits, these soft-as-fleece scarves feel immediately timeless, something that can be worn in a decade as easily as they are worn today. The reason this is largely true is in the approach of Paula Bianco, a brand created by Smadar-Pola Azriel. 

She has always had a talent for grounding her work in tradition while upgrading the techniques needed to get it done. In this case, the entire infinity line of scarves is made with 80 percent acrylic and 20 percent nylon (some are 100 percent acrylic). Just don't let their size fool you. They are as light as they are soft. Some almost feel like down feathers.

Another interesting aspect of these scarves is their resilience and adaptability. Knowing that not everyone will appreciate a circle scarf, some design outlets suggest cutting the scarf at the bottom to transform it into a regular scarf. I don't necessarily see that as a solution, but it works well enough. So does adding flair like the original scarves did.

Many of the designs by Azriel's Paula Bianco have a distressed look, with frayed edges and shredded stripes in order to make them look well worn and comfortable. The knit patterns and finished textures ensure it. Just remember that all of these scarves are hand wash only.

A few graphs about designer Smadar-Pola Azriel. 

Smadar-Pola Azriel never intended to enter the world of fashion. She was a high school artist who planned to apply her talent to interior design. She even studied it in college, earning a degree ten years ago.

Nowadays, everything has changed. She is more likely to say that fashion was always bubbling up inside her, possibly released after her first visit to New York City. And so, while designing homes, she started a side project — reconstructing old sweaters into unique scarves.

Once they were deconstructed, she would often add elements to make each one unique. Some of them sported retro button, ribbons, beans, and even pieces of pottery. Sometimes the look was sophisticated. Sometimes it lent a bit a whimsy. But what each of them had in common was that they were one of a kind, something you keep forever.

Her designs were so immediately well received that she made an incredibly brave decision. She gave up on her established career and took classes in basic sewing and dressmaking pattern classes at Shenkar. The transition has been remarkable, with Azriel expanding her fashion line from scarves and jewelry to full ensembles.

Across it all, Azriel has become a name associated with contemplation. Her work is playfully modern, but grounded in tradition. It looks both fresh and instantly classic.

Infinity Scarves From Paula Bianco Wrap 7.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

What makes the scarves by Paula Bianco stand out is there is size. Although the scarves themselves are soft and light, their chunkiness adds a visual appeal that accentuates as much as it accessorizes.

With the Paula Bianco site being redesigned, the best place to find the new infinity line is Designs By Stephanie. All of the scarves by Paula Bianco are on sale for the season. They also have a large collection of scarves from other designers too, including Theodora & Callum, Lilly Pulitzer, and their own signature designs.