“houndstooth”, a black and white duotone pattern that is characterized by its abstract four-pointed shapes, originated in Scotland as an outer garment for shepherds in the 19th Century. By the 1930s, however, it had morphed into a symbol of wealth by the upper class (particularly the British monarchy) and was adopted into use by prominent fashion designers of the day. By the 1960s, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel all contributed to bringing the pattern to women’s wear, and it became a distinctive pattern for a generation of women in the workplace.

Using the houndstooth pattern as inspiration, this solo work explores the concept, using the pattern as a starting point for harmonic material, and by considering the characteristics of houndstooth as guiding the tone of the piece – luxurious, bold, clear, and organized. In addition, there is a visual element – yards of houndstooth fabric on the floor of the stage.