Gingham, Vichy or simply checked, in any way you would call it, it is definitely one of the most popular prints, because it tastes of good things – like the simple flavors of a picnic – and of something naughty and childish – it is not a coincidence that Dorothy wears a dress in a Vichy print in thw wizard of Oz film. Someone calls it incredibly American, others link it to the South of France and for many it is connected to those beachy look from the 50’s and 60’s.
Someone prefers using the French word Vichy – the name of the area where it is produced – or ginghan, using the Malay word for stripes. The definition is actually born from adding a horizontal strip on the vertical one and the way the pattern has been done, dyeing the fabric before weaving it, creating a lightweight and reversible material. The checked has been declined several times on the the Spring / Summer 2015 runways Michael Kors has designed a macro sized checked print in pastel colors, matching it with neutral top. Baby blue is used by Altuzarra too. BottegaVeneta and Diane von Furstenberg have instead thought of a minimal and contemporary Vichy print using a black and white pattern, while Oscar de la Renta uses rich, vivid colors like strawberry pink and green forest with small squares.
So this popular fashion print that once was used for Sunday lunches tablecloths; which later became the fabric of Cowboys shirts and then made its entrance to Hollywood in several movies of the 50’s finally becoming the print gown chosen by Brigitte Bardot for her big yes, it is now one of the best fashion trends together with the exotic print one.
But to avoid any mistakes better you use it in moderation:
1. Combine one piece at once – shorts or skirt with a neutral top, maybe a white cropped one.
2. Make it urban. Maybe a blouse in chiffon with a pair of skinny and high heels.
3. Halfaway the good and the bad girl. A Vichy dress and a biker leather jacket.
4. Add layers. Matching a top with a skirt, a blouse and a vest.
