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In this article we will tell you what a pied-de-poule check is, where this ornament was first used and what it looks like today. As well as options for what products can be sewn from fabric with a pied-de-poule print.
What does a pied de poule pattern look like?
The two-tone pied-de-poule print looks like jagged checks that resemble bird tracks from a distance. Because of the last association, this pattern has a second name, a literal translation from French "pied-de-poule"— “houndstooth” pattern (some sources also call this pattern “chicken’s foot”). In fact, the print has many names, each country has its own: "pied-de-poule"(pied-de-poule), “houndstooth”, “dogtooth” (dog tooth), “puppytooth” (puppy tooth), houndstooth, Shepherd's check (shepherd's cage), "houndtooth" (hound's tooth). In its classic variation, the pied-de-poule check is a black and white print. But modern designers often deviate from the classics and create two-color combinations.I with polar shades creating contrast.
The history of the pied-de-poule print
The ornament, which today is known as the pied de poule, first appeared during the Roman Empire in the territory of modern Scotland. According to one version, the pied-de-poule pattern began to be actively used in the country of the warlike Scots for sewing shepherds’ kilts. The fact is that during the reign of the clans in Scotland, the design (most often these were different variations of the Scottish check) on kilts demonstrated belonging to a certain family defending its territory. In order not to fall under the hot hand of warring clans and to emphasize their neutral position, Scottish shepherds wore kilts with muted pied-de-poules patterns. Sometimes, in an attempt to preserve livestock, they even decorated their sheep with this ornament. Later, the ornament moved into architecture: in British churches of the 12th century, archaeologists find fragments of a pied-de-poule pattern.
Pied-de-poule ornament and fashion
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The modern look of clothing with the pied-de-poule print dates back to the end of the 19th century, when Queen Victoria's son, Edward of Wales, began wearing this pattern to social events, slightly modifying it. Subsequently, all fashionistas in London began to imitate the royal person who set the trend. The discreet black and white design also appealed to politicians and diplomats, who valued the pied de poule for its versatility and correct historical context. From Great Britain, fashionable fabric with a pied-de-poule print came to neighboring France, where in the 1920s Coco Chanel gave this aristocratic pattern a second wind. Now the pied-de-poule was worn not only by royalty and diplomats, but also by fashionistas.The second step for the ornament was the collection of Christian Dior, who had already officially introduced print into the world of High Fashion. In 1958, designer Roger Vivier, who worked on the shoe collection for the house of Dior, created the legendary pumps with a pied de poule print. After this event, for at least another ten years, all kinds of products with the famous print were released: coats, dresses, jackets, suits and accessories. A piece with a pied-de-poule print has become a must-have for every fashion-conscious woman's wardrobe.
In which products is the pied-de-poule cell most often used?
Traditionally, the fabric with the pied-de-poule pattern was wool, but today this print can be found on fabrics with any texture: from silk to tweed. Most often, the pied-de-poule print is used for sewing outerwear. So, Classic straight-cut jackets with houndstooth print are especially popular. They are worn over plain dressesV or with dark trousers, and are often belted with wide black belts. Typically, outerwear is made from dense fabrics that hold their shape, but today you can also find lower quality materials with this print. For an office wardrobe, jumpers with a pied-de-poule print combined with straight trousers are suitable. In a slushy autumn (and if the office dress code allows such insolence), you can replace regular trousers with more practical leather pants. A sheath dress with a houndstooth print will be a win-win option for diversifying your wardrobe. But be careful with accessories, they should not overlap with the ornament, otherwise it will start to ripple in the eyes of others.
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