Millefleurs pattern

Patterns and motifs

A thousand flowers
As if handfuls of little flowers have been sprinkled over the fabric: this is what a millefleur motif looks like. Millefleurs is a French term and literally means 'a thousand flowers'. In the Middle Ages, this motif was very popular in tapestries, especially in France and Flanders. Often large figures were depicted against a millefleurs background. A well-known example is the tapestry The trapped unicorn. In fashion, the millefleur motif is indispensable, from summer dresses to children's clothing and men's shirts. Liberty & Co from London is famous for its romantic flowery fabrics, as is the also English brand Laura Ashley.

 

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