2 May 2011

Gingham fashion

When Brigitte Bardot wore her gingham bikini in Saint Tropez in 1955 and then the soft pink gingham dress to her wedding in 1959, the print evolved from innocently girlish to sensual and provocative. She pioneered the sexy gingham look, retaining its sweetness at the same time, in a sense appropriately defining her influential style.

As fashion has been experiencing a revival of the 50s and 60s lately, I’m thinking: dare I wear it? And if so, how can I play it cool and modern? When I’m in doubt I’ve learned that the best possible answer is to keep it simple: small checks, the classic black and white or pastel tones, strappy dress or shirt with white jeans or capri pants and flat pumps, Audrey-like. Gingham may not make your imagination race with possibilities, but isn’t it fresh and desirable enough for a summer update? Hope you had a lovely weekend and that you  have a wonderful first week of May.

The gingham dress designed by Barbara Hulanicki, the fashion illustrator and creator of Biba , one of London’s symbols in the 60s.

Photos: 1,2-unknown / 3 / 4,5 /6

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19 Responses to Gingham fashion

  1. audrey marie wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 7:41 am

    i love gingham – ALWAYS chic. i have a sundress from several summers ago that ill never rid of.

  2. nookie wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 8:25 am

    aww, I didn’t know that the print is named gindham…happy to learn something new:)

  3. My Fashion Tale wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 9:16 am

    I actually have a dress that I totally forgot about! Thank you for reminding me 🙂

  4. LatteLisa wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 10:40 am

    It’s a cute look but I think my gingham days are over. I willingly said goodbye to a gingham dress about three years ago 😉

  5. Joanna wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 11:10 am

    Well, to be honest, I’m not a big fan of gingham dresses, but I love the style of Audrey – feminine, sophisticated, elegant… so on the other hand, even though I don’t love them I think it would look modern and pretty with one strong-modern accent, for example heels in an intense colour 🙂 Kisses, dear!

  6. LittleRus wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 3:42 pm

    It’s beautiful and I would be tempted to wear something like this dress… Looooove the pictures today! xxx

  7. Frédérique wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 5:07 pm

    ohh, yes, you can !!!
    with a rock touch or destroy or clor block touch for an actual outfit !
    ps : my flats hmmmm… maybe i will show you them in one of my outfits if i dare…
    have a nice week, ada !

  8. Susu Paris Chic wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 6:05 pm

    I’d say that the key is to be inspired, yet doing something a dash differently. Shapes from the past, textures from today… you get the pic. Dear you!

  9. Shawna wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 7:28 pm

    I love gingham! I always think of the 1950s when I see it 🙂

  10. la Vinia wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 8:39 pm

    I adore gingham, I think it’s very chic – especially the gray, light blue, yellow variants… works perfect in the summer, even in beachwear 🙂

  11. Angel @ | 77inspire | wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Oh audrey. Umm im sure theres a way to wear the print and still be modern…

  12. zarna wrote on
    --> 2 May 2011 at 11:55 pm

    i love gingham – such a timeless and fabulous look!

  13. Kellie Collis wrote on
    --> 3 May 2011 at 6:07 am

    How fabulous! I love that gorgeous bike! Enjoy the wonderful day, Kellie xx

  14. Mina wrote on
    --> 3 May 2011 at 6:56 am

    i’ve never been a fan of ginham i dont know why. i had a bathinsguit once from tommy hilfiger but that was it. maybe on a 50’s style pouffy dress i would like it i think! with a sweatheart halter neckline.
    xoxo
    mina

  15. amourette wrote on
    --> 3 May 2011 at 6:57 pm

    i love gingham in the springtime

  16. M wrote on
    --> 3 May 2011 at 7:56 pm

    Seriously I was born in the wrong decade love love love this style!!!!!
    ~M
    Classy & Fabulous

  17. Paris in Pink wrote on
    --> 3 May 2011 at 9:50 pm

    Ah how I adore gingham. Lovely photos 🙂

    Hugs xx

    Camille (Paris in Pink)

  18. a.n.e wrote on
    --> 9 May 2011 at 6:20 am

    Love all the gingham in this post. especially the one with the girl riding a bike.

  19. Sarah Klassen wrote on
    --> 9 May 2011 at 6:08 pm

    Such a wonderful collection of style inspiration. You bring back memories of my first trip to New York —I was sixteen and packed my favorite black and white gingham capris and polo. They were a delight to wear! I might have to get another pair 🙂