Checkered canvas

It’s hard to overlook windowpane checks and grid prints while doing a trend-spotting analysis. Spring Summer 2018 runway shows presented at the recently concluded New York, London and Milan Fashion Week seems heavy on bold geometric prints - from tartan like checks to classic faint grids. 

At New York Fashion Week, Rag and Bone teamed a plaid skirt with a one-shoulder asymmetrical white jumper, Zadig & Voltaire teamed a white T-shirt with a blue shirt which had an ombre check print. Antonio Marras showcased a head-to-toe grid ensemble and Monse paired a check jacket with a pair of ripped denims. Gucci taking its eccentric-meets-cerebral narrative forward showcased a bright yellow double breasted pantsuit with a fine print grid and Antonio Berardi teamed a check collared belted top with a matching striped skirt.  

Designer Nimish Shah of label observes, “Everybody is doing it. In India, there is a revival of chanderi, Raw Mango, being a case in point. The beauty of checks in the Indian context is that designers have extrapolated them in Indian textiles. The houndstooth in traditional weaves and tweed formations in silks have been adapting beautifully.”

Designer Surily Goel says, “Checks add a masculine edge to the ensemble, smart as opposed to being feminine. Also, checks allow you colour blocking.”