In Search of Joan of Arc

Legend has it that Joan of Arc was heavily clad in 50+ pounds of embellished armor when she lead the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War. How else could a woman of small stature lead a pack of wounded soldiers into battle without getting her ass creamed, right? In all actuality, it's likely she wore little heavy armor if any, but instead merely chain maille pieces like those at the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc in Orleans, France. This would enable her to remain agile, light, and fast as shit on a slip-and-slide when marching into battle. It would also explain how she ended up with a stab injury between her neck and shoulder blade. Ouch.

Photo: Renée Jeanne Falconetti

But not everybody was thrilled with her brass balls. She wasn't declared a martyr until 24 years after her death and wasn't actually canonized until 1920.

"Only a regime in the final straits of desperation would pay any heed to an illiterate farm girl who claimed that the voice of God was instructing her to take charge of her country’s army and lead it to victory." (Historian Stephen W. Richey)

With all due respect, Mr. Richey, I'm thrilled that the world of fashion didn't have to find itself in the straits of desperation to pay homage to one of history's greatest women this fall. Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures, even if they come in a petite, breast-clad, vagina-toting, "hearing-strange-voices" package ;)

Anna Sui, Fall 2008

Celine, Fall 2008

Christopher Kane, Fall 2008

Abate, Fall 2008

Derercuny, Fall 2008

Nicole Miller, Fall 2008

Metallic Python Boots, Spiral Cuff, and Tunic at vivre.com
Loree Rodkin Black Maltese Cross Knuckle Ring at brownsfashion.com
Kim & Maki Sword and Wing Pendant at kimandmaki.com

Joan of Arc Shift Dress at haydenandharnett.com
Chrome Silver Cross Pendant Necklace at forzieri.com
Stingray Heart Cross Ring at basassjewelry.com
Splash Metallic Tights at welovecolors.com
King Baby Studio Crowned Heart Cross Cuff at zappos.com
French Connection Metallic Ankle Boots at oli.co.uk

Matthew Williamson Metallic Leggings at net-a-porter.com
Aimee McWilliams Leather Dress at brittique.com
Iron Cross & Sword Leather Cuff Bracelet at titaniumkay.com
Double Layered Cross Necklace at urbanoutfitters.com
Sam Edelman 'Justine' Wedge Sandal at nordstrom.com

Medieval Cross Earrings at novica.com

Armor Band Rings by Silver Insanity

Rocket Dog Singapore Ballet Flat at solestruck.com

Chain Maille Necklace by Blackbird Maille @ etsy