Gingham Styles, Part I
Not to be confused with Gangnam Style.
What’s trendy in women’s fashion for 2015?
Gingham.
What was trendy for women’s fashion in the 1940’s, ’50s and ’60s?
Gingham.
Gingham was everywhere.
At work, and play.
James Bond (on the right) wearing a classic pink and white gingham beach outfit, shirt and trunks. If you’ve any doubt that James is not pictured in pink gingham, click on the image for an enlarged view. With Claudine Auger, “Thunderball”, 1965.
Just as comfortable at home,
Lucille Ball, “I Love Lucy”, circa 1957.
As on television,
Gene Autry, circa 1956.
And in the movies.
Lauren Bacall, “To Have and Have Not”, 1944.
Katharine Hepburn, “Woman of the Year”, 1942.
Do let’s not forget the ease with which it mingled with the Hearsts on New Years Eve in New York, trimmed with sable, of course.
Anita Loos, wearing an evening dress designed by Mainbocher, circa 1938.
In magazine ads,
In the fabric and notions section of the 5 and dime,
On dignity and grace,
Diana, Princess of Wales, circa 1984.
Jacqueline Kennedy, First Lady of the United States, 1961.
Gingham was everywhere.
Note from Gravel Roads — Gingham Styles, Part I was inspired by New York Fashion Week, 2014 and international designers, the likes of Altuzurra, Oscar de la Renta and Diane von Furstenberg, whose gingham run-way garments set the trend, and which will fetch in the millions from viable, discerning buyers. Part II of the series, “Growing up with Gingham,” will feature the fabric, borne more of necessity than style-sense. Anticipated publication date, November 2014.
Fabric page, T. Eaton Catalogue, circa 1960.
