Fabien, do you confirm the importance of checks, and particularly of gingham, for Spring ?

Indeed, since winter 08-09, checks have been staging a massive comeback in collections and little by little have conquered the men’s market, as much in upper ranges, in ready-to-wear as in mass distribution.
Today you can’t enter H&M, Zara, or Topman stores without seeing checks everywhere on racks and walls!
It’s mainly of course for shirting, since that is the easiest product to wear, but you find it as well in T-Shirts, blousons, jackets, pants and in linings... accessories aren’t spared either!
The check is evolving in two directions for spring 2010: checks derived from “gingham”, reworked in color and rhythm on numerous products, in a smart, sporty, chic and clean “cruise” spirit; and maxi, multi-colored checks in 80’s style, washed, worn, on finer and more lightweight grounds.

How can we incorporate this gingham look in our wardrobes, Fabien ?

No stress, gentlemen ! There are different ways of using gingham when dressing, from casual wear to suits…
In touches, for example, with a blue/white/red gingham shirt, worn with a little tie for the smartest look, and a short, cotton jacket, beige or navy, and jeans or slacks…
Or you can have a more casual look, in Bermuda shorts with cuffs, worn with a white polo shirt or shirt and a little golfer’s blouson.
And for the rash, in total look: 2 or 3 piece suits, or else in a mismatching total look (colored gingham and varying sizes for the jacket, shirt, foulard or tie).
Finally, you can simply wear gingham in a little short-sleeve shirt with sleeves rolled up, with jeans and a pair of All Stars!


Regarding color, what would you suggest we choose?

Without a doubt: blue/white/red/beige.


Paola, what do you have to say about the craze for this motif?

The spring 2010 season is notably celebrating major classics: the crisis has instigated a re-centering on sure fashion values, of which the check is of course part!
On a parallel, fashion trends are following a more « preppy » direction, mirroring neat US campus codes; in such a context, the check is unavoidable.


To conclude, Fabien, if there were only one must …
There is always only one, so I would say: the fitted, shortsleeve shirt with sleeves rolled up, patch pockets in front, and rolled up Bermuda shorts with Italian pockets.



Fabien Rambert, Menswear stylist / Paola Fabbri, Marketing project Head
- Carlin International

Sources : Carlin International