Motley been recently thought to be one pattern with different coloured threads running through it. Motley Motley is the traditional costume of the court jester, fool, or the harlequin character in "commedia dell'arte". The harlequin wears a patchwork of red, green and blue diamonds that is still a fashion motif. The word "motley" is described in the Oxford English Dictionary as a cognate of "medley", although the unrelated "mottled" has also contributed to the meaning. The word is most commonly used as an adjective or noun, but is also seen as a verb and adverb. When used as a noun, it
Jester blouse Jester blouse The jester blouse was a popular item in 1950s and early 1960s women's fashion. Fashion designer Louella Ballerino found an illustration of a court jester which inspired her to design her "sun and fun" fashions. The jester theme appeared in long pointed collars tipped with bell-like buttons, harlequin prints, and in the jagged points which occasionally outlined an apron overskirt. Ballerino created plunged-to-the-waist jester blouses in cotton or wool jersey topped sun backed dresses. In March 1961 Scotties sold a jester shirt made by Cromwell Mills at Bloomingdales and Filene's, It was red, white, and blue in color.