Gingham has been a classic in France since Brigitte Bardot made it so in the 1950s (even her wedding dress was made of pink gingham, when she married Roger Vadim). The chic check pattern was her trademark and it was the success of her films of that era in the US, that popularised what you call gingham there, so I was surprised to read you define it on your blog as "All-American". I don't think you will find many French who agree with that. Here in Paris, indeed throughout France, the classic red-and-white gingham tablecloth is synonymous with the terrace of a French bistro, Non?? The classic check pattern originated in the town of Vichy, and is still known today as 'Toile de Vichy'. It is associated, like Bardot herself, with St.Tropez and other Côte d'Azur resorts, where it is considered the height of chic in a bikini, or a retro full-skirted Bardot dress. I've rarely seen it worn as a shirt, but can see that's a very nice idea - but why hide it under a big sweater in that case??
http://frenchlittlething.blogs.....chive.html states: 'Brigitte Bardot was a common presence in Saint Tropez on the 1960's. The vichy pattern typical from France, a checked cotton that is popular still today. '
