Dr. Edith Eger, Holocaust survivor, psychologist, and bestselling author, is devoted to making the most of life and helping others do the same. If you've heard of her recently, it might be from her conversation with Jonathan Van Ness on his podcast "Getting Curious," where the 94-year-old spoke about positivity even in the most difficult of circumstances. JVN fell in love with Dr. Eger's style when they talked, and in speaking with her, it's easy to see why: every day, Dr. Eger puts on an enormous, vivid scarf to feel like her most stylish self. She's been building her collection for five decades, and has, by her estimation, "at least a couple hundred" in rotation.
"I am the woman with the scarves, wherever I go," Dr. Eger tells Coveteur. "You'll never, ever see me any day without scarves." For her, it's much more than a style choice: it's a morning ritual that starts in her bedroom. In fact, sometimes it's her only morning routine to help her feel like herself: "I don't have to get dressed. All I have to do is put on my Escada scarf."
Dr. Eger first became interested in scarves when she and her husband visited a luxury designer store in Germany called Escada. Five decades later, her collection includes Gucci and Chanel; she insists she normally hates big flowery designs, but she makes an exception for Escada, which has become her favorite brand. (When we speak, she refers to herself as an "Escada girl.")
Dr. Eger's scarf collection.
Photo: Jordan Engle
She's so well-known for her scarf collection that people are always apparently sending her more. She has a few favorites (Escada, naturally), but maintains that "each one is beautiful—it's like they were custom-made for me." For her, a love of her collection and of clothing in general is really about appreciation of oneself and the present moment. Dr. Eger insists that the benefits of loving what you wear go far beyond the everyday. "Everyone can have collections of what they like. And then they get up in the morning, open up their drawers, and say ‘That's me! That's me! That's me!’" she says.
Below, Dr. Eger speaks with Coveteur about her scarf collection and how she approaches style in her daily life.
When did you first become interested in fashion?
“My father was a couturier and told me that I’ll be the best-dressed girl in town when I grow up; that was when I was 8 or 9 [years old] and I started paying attention.”
How has your style evolved throughout the decades?
“I like classic cuts; classic has always been the best for all parts of life and still is. I still wear my Escada. My daughters tease me because I don’t wear jeans. I like a casual and classic look with lots of color. I liked to wear shorter skirts and dresses when I was young. In those days, shorter meant just above the knees!”
Dr. Eger's Escada scarves.
Photos: Courtesy of Dr. Edith Eger
Have there been any important life events (like becoming a mother) that have changed your style?
“I am always as appropriate as I can be. As time goes by, I do grow with the times…I am very modern and up-to-date. Since I have worked for many years, I always try to wear fashionable styles that can last a while. Even with very little money, anyone can look good.”
What year did you first start collecting scarves?
“When Escada opened in the ‘70s, we visited the first store in Munich. They had very good sales ladies selling the scarves to my husband. We started buying them then, and I have never stopped. My daughter, Marianne, looks for beautiful scarves for me when she travels, which is very often. So I have lovely scarves from many French and Italian designers. She also found some incredible ones in India.”
What is it about your scarf collection that feels so "you?"
“I learned how to collect scarves and wear them. Every day on Zoom, they add a touch to the event! I love the look and the feel of a beautiful scarf.”
Inside Dr. Eger's closet.
Photo: Jordan Engle
How do you choose which one to wear each day?
“I look at my schedule to see what the day will bring. I have four drawers and I open each one and pick what I think I would like. I have a few that I wear more often than others.”
What's some style advice you'd give to your younger self?
“I would tell myself to get up in the morning, look in the mirror and say ‘I love me!’ and know that it’s not selfish or narcissistic. I work every day on having confidence in how I present myself. My [other] style advice is to smile when you get dressed. If you can’t, then rethink your clothing choices and plan for the day to make sure that you are making good life decisions.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.