The Novel Pourpoint

Abstract

A fourteenth-century pourpoint from the Musee des Tissus in Lyon, France, that is said to have been worn by Charles de Blois (1319-1364) serves as a source of inspiration for a woman’s garment designed with function, aesthetics, and environmental considerations in mind. Vaguely reminiscent of today’s puffer jacket, de Blois’s pourpoint was worn even closer to the body to emphasize an athletic build. Its tailored sleeves are curved at the elbow and reach high under the arms. Their extension into the bodice section may be quite unique and done with range of motion in mind. "The Novel Pourpoint" is made of discarded parts of a secondhand, cotton quilted blanket recovered with silk charmeuse. It is a body-delineating garment meant for an active lifestyle. A portion of the sleeves that are cut high extends into the bodice. The pattern is designed with range of motion and efficient use of fabric.