Pied de Poule 🐥 The History of Houndstooth

Houndstooth, a timeless print, effortlessly combines modernity with universality. This black and white abstract checkerboard pattern, resembling a chicken-foot print (known as pied de poule in French and houndstooth in English), originated in the Scottish lowlands during the 1800s. Originally referred to as Shepherd’s check or Dogtooth, it graced the woven wool outerwear of sheepherders. Its enduring allure remains undiminished.

Even though the pattern was around for more than a century, the popularity of the print did not step into the fashion world until the 1930s, when it was initially adopted by the upper class as a status symbol for wealth. Christian Dior was one of the first designers to incorporate houndstooth in his designs for the 1948 Haute Couture spring/summer collection.

Rather than weaving the pattern, as was the style of the British, Dior and subsequent designers, including Louis Vuitton and Chanel, would instead print the distinctive shapes onto fabric for their collections.

Houndstooth has come quite a long way from its early beginnings on the backs of sheepherders. Designers from across the globe have re-envisioned the traditional mosaic by toying with its color and scale. The remixed print captivates the eye while paying tribute to the past. Houndstooth is a classic print for old and new fashionistas that never goes out of style.