Here at Munchkin & Bear, we are always stalking the latest interiors trends and predictions - not just because we love all things design, but because we want to make sure our Play Mat range will suit your stylish homes! Pinterest has truly become our best friend in recent years, with the amazing images and design style giving us ALL the inspo. So, it is no surprise that when we began brainstorming for new designs this year, we dove straight into forecasting upcoming trends for 2023 and beyond.
Excitingly, Gingham is high on the list as a popular pattern for this season. We are starting to see it everywhere from fashion to homewares and it is so fun to see the revival of a such a classic. As we already have two versions of this print in our range, we were so happy we predicted this one! However, we think there is one variation missing...
A Brief History on Gingham
In the early 20th century, Gingham became fashionable in the U.S with people seeing the pattern being worn in the plains region. Because of this, Gingham was the selected fabric for Kansas native, Dorothy Gale, in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz". With the fabric being worn by Judy Garland herself, further hype around the material grew, and as time went on, more and more glamourous icons were spotted wearing Gingham.
In 1959, Bridgitte Bardot wore a Gingham print dress for her wedding to french actor, Jacques Charrier. Princess Diana, was photographed in a stylish pair of cropped Gingham pants at her country home in Highgrove during 1986.This caused it to evolve from its rural, working-class roots to a more preppy look.
As we moved into the 90s, early 2000s and 2010s, Gingham stopped trending and was often associated with children, school uniforms, table cloths and ugly wallpaper. However in 1995, Alicia Silverstone, who played Cher Horowitz in Clueless, brought the Gingham back to life and it has been slowing growing in popularity ever since.
So WHY has Gingham become an onset trend of 2022-2023?
Apparently the Pandemic is to blame! Homeowners are now craving check, looking to inject elements of a rural escape into their homes. As spring arrives, we are seeing more of a natural and woody charm come to surface, with its graphic boldness prompting Gingham's return. From sofas to accessories, Gingham has found a new lease of life! This classic pattern always feels timeless and reassuring, and thanks to its versatility, Gingham can be added to any space.
As you know, we are lovers of neutral tones and simple patterns that will suit any interiors style. So, as inspired by the Gingham obsession at the moment that is not going anywhere, we are adding another version of this striking design to our range! Latte Gingham is the perfect subtle coffee-toned check, a colour that our amazing tribe of customers have been dreaming of for a while now. Paired with our stunning Speckled pattern in Sand, this new Luxe Play Mat is sure to feel right at home in many living rooms, play rooms, bedrooms and nurseries for years to come!
