The Mi-Parti Collection

Popular from the 11th to the 16th century, the “Mi-parti” (parti-colored) style of clothing featured two different colored fabrics joined together in the middle. The effect is a contrast of colors, which often provides a dramatic appearance. During the Middle Ages, Mi-parti was a prominent style amongst surcoats, tabards, cowls, leg-wear, and dresses.

The earliest depictions of this style go as far back as the 9th and 10th centuries, where the parted fabric style was used in leg and footwear. For example, boots would be half one color and half another. During the High Middle Ages, the Mi-parti style became increasingly popular as color symbolism in garments became more prevalent. Colors often indicated a certain status or affiliation. Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, the style was increasingly worn as many men, particularly vassals, emulated the coats of arms of their feudal lords. The style gradually tapered off towards the end of the 16th century.