The Joan of Arc Kit x Bernadette Banner
The final heroine of our 'Icons & Pioneers' collection is Jeanne D'Arc or Joan of Arc as she is famously known. A medieval peasant girl turned legendary military leader, Joan of Arc led the French Army to victory during the Hundred Years' War. She transcended gender roles and challenged societal norms by dressing in men's armour and cropping her hair with a sword. A defiant female figure and a symbol of courage, Joan of Arc was also a big inspiration for our own 'Lady Lock' character in our 'Once upon a time in Luneville' AW25 collection.
We could think of no better way to honour this iconic woman than collaborating with a modern day icon (and our favourite fashion historian, costume designer & YouTuber!) Bernadette Banner. The whole team came together again to bring you a brand new project inspired by Joan of Arc and of course, a brand new collaborative embroidery kit!
Bernadette went all in on historical research, designing and pattern drafting a phenomenal design for a Joan of Arc inspired costume. Then it was our turn to design and create the embroidery!
Watch Bernadette's full video Saturday November 15th 3pm GMT
Bernadette's look features real armoured boots, a trompe l'oeil machine embroidered chainmail smock and an articulated 'armoured' bodice. Made in silvery grey silk, each 'armour' panel is edged in goldwork hand embroidery in gunmetal grey and silver bullions. The look also featured a large goldwork fleur de lis motif and 4 'tassets' (the shield shapes that hang from the hips of the outfit). Across the 4 tassets, we designed illustrations that depict the story of Joan's life and legacy.
Scene 1: A view of Joan's childhood, working in the wheat fields.
Scene 2: Joan consulting the dauphin Charles (later King Charles VII of France) with her divine visions of victory over the English.
Scene 3: Joan on the back of her rearing horse, riding into battle in Orléans, banner in hand.
Scene 4: Joan is captured and tried. A sacred heart and sword in flames references Joan's tragic demise.
Our Joan of Arc kit is inspired by the 4th and final tasset design. It incorporates the heart & sword, fleur de lis banner and sun rays referencing Joan's divine mission.
With this kit, you can learn the ancient art of goldwork, Hand & Lock's signature technique, which stems back to Opus Anglicanum.
See more helpful videos for some of the embroidery techniques included in the kit here.
Panel Size (approx.) 34 x 34 cm
Materials Included: Wax, Needles, Printed Base Fabric, Grey felt padding, Threads, Bullions, Metal Beads
Please note, materials may sometimes vary slightly from the image.
Brooches and Earrings photographed are not included in the kit
