Where did the Hounds Tooth check come from?
The Hounds tooth check originated in the Scottish Lowlands way back in the 1800s. The design was inspired by the rough outline of a hound dog's tooth, which resulted in the iconic broken check shape that we all know and love today.
Originally houndstooth was worn by those who weren't allowed to wear tartan, as well as by people who didn't have a noble title or belong to a clan. The pattern was predominantly worn by shepherds, woven from warm, cosy wool. Hence why it was first known as ‘Shepherd’s Check’. After this, it was claimed by Scottish clans, although interestingly enough, it was never claimed by any Scottish families themselves.
Did you also know that hounds tooth is sometimes referred to as 'Pied de Poule'? This is because the pattern bears a striking resemblance to a chicken footprint! How cute is that?
Like a lot of fashion classics, it rose through the social tiers and became a symbol of wealth and luxury among the upper class. The dapper and stylish Prince of Wales himself, Edward VII, even chose to make the pattern his go-to for day-to-day attire, solidifying its status as a symbol of prestige.
Over time, Houndstooth's popularity spread far beyond Scotland's borders, becoming a beloved and versatile pattern for designers around the world. Christian Dior was one of the first designers to incorporate Houndstooth into his designs for his 1948 Haute Couture S/S collection. Recognizing its timeless appeal and incorporated it into his luxurious designs.
But Dior's love for Houndstooth didn't stop there - in 1959, renowned French shoe designer Roger Vivier created a pointed court heel for Dior with a smaller-scale version of the pattern. And just six years later, Vivier enlarged the pattern for a turquoise and black long coat, creating an unforgettable and bold statement piece.
Even today, Dior still utilizes the Houndstooth pattern in their designs, proving that this iconic pattern has truly stood the test of time and continues to inspire the world of fashion.
'Shepherd's check', but later evolved into the more playful-sounding 'Dogstooth' before finally settling on the sleek and sophisticated name 'Houndstooth'. And did you know that when the check pattern is smaller, it's actually called 'Puppytooth'?!
