The world's thinnest yarn-dyed silk fabric will soon find its way into Hermes' globally renowned scarves.

The French luxury fashion brand has signed a contract with Fukushima-based textile maker Saiei-orimono Co. to use its "fairy feather" silk. Scarves made from the fabric are expected start gracing Hermes outlets around the world in January.

It is rare for Hermes to buy raw materials from a small Japanese company. It usually procures most of the silk used in its scarves in Europe.