The Pied de Poule, known for its elegant simplicity and strong historical connotation, is one of the most iconic stylistic weaves in existence. This pattern, formed by the alternation of four dark and four light threads intertwined, recalls the image of a hen's foot, from which it takes its name in French. Originating in 19th century Scotland, it was initially associated with the woollen cloaks worn by shepherds, but over time has become synonymous with elegance, thanks also to the contribution of big names in fashion such as Christian Dior.
The evolution of Pied de Poule
The big leap into the fashion world was made by Dior, who used it in the 1940s for the packaging of his famous perfume, Miss Dior. Since then, Pied de Poule has started to conquer catwalks and wardrobes, declined in various garments and accessories. Although originally made mainly of wool, the motif has evolved over time, also appearing on cotton fabrics and man-made fibres. Thanks to its versatility, Pied de Poule has been reinterpreted in numerous versions: from the more traditional black and white to the more modern and colourful variants that today enrich mainly winter collections.
The use of Pied de Poule in modern design
In recent years, the appeal of Pied de Poule has extended beyond the world of fashion to home accessories and design objects. Its geometric and hypnotic weave offers a touch of class, making any room refined and unique. Indeed, many designers have begun to exploit this iconic weave to create products that carry the same aura of elegance and classicism as the clothes that wear it.
We at Arti&Mestieri have also embraced this trend, including Pied de Poule in our latest collection. The Nudo wall clock, for example, combines the modernity of minimalist design with the classic and timeless texture of Pied de Poule, creating a perfect balance between past and present. This watch is ideal for those who want to give their living room or office a touch of originality without sacrificing elegance.
The large and small Pied de Poule photo frames also capture the essence of classic design, but bring it into a contemporary dimension, making them perfect for any environment. With their bold and recognizable motif, these photo frames are perfect for displaying life's most important moments with a style that won't go unnoticed.
Beyond black and white
Although the Pied de Poule is mainly known for its black and white version, today it can be found in a wide range of colours. The traditional version remains a timeless classic, but colourful variants are gaining in popularity, especially in the autumn/winter collections. These more vibrant motifs allow you to experiment with design, offering new possibilities to customise spaces in a unique and creative way. For this reason, in addition to the clock in its classic black and white version, there is also a magenta-coloured one.
Pied de Poule is not only an iconic pattern that has dominated the catwalks, but has become a symbol of timeless elegance that can also enrich our homes. Its versatility, history and ability to adapt to different contexts make it perfect for those who wish to furnish their homes with a style that combines tradition and modernity. With its clean lines and refined aesthetics, Pied de Poule is destined to remain a popular design choice for many years to come.