Plaid & Checks for Fall: How Burberry and Louis Vuitton Make Autumn Iconic

Plaid for Fall? Groundbreaking

As we leave the sun-drenched days of summer behind us, we prepare for cooler weather, different color palettes, and the welcome of cool breezes and crunchy leaves. Perhaps only next to the proverbial pumpkin spiced latte, or "PSL" as it’s known by those who herald and consume the beverage, plaid patterns have come to colloquially be representative of the autumnal season.

With social media becoming oh-so omnipresent in our lives, it’s hard to escape checks and plaids taking hold of our favorite tastemakers, influencers, and social media pages. Whether it’s the warm embrace of the mother-daughter duo on Gilmore Girls, or videos of Taylor Swift’s autumnal-tinged tune “All Too Well” taking hold of our feeds, plaids and checks are everywhere. Why do we go pattern crazy when the leaves begin to change? Is there a reason they inspire us when the season changes? Surprisingly, there is!

The Humble Beginnings of Plaids and Checks

Plaid exists not as a monolith in modern times but in various contextual meanings for every different person. There are a variety of different plaid types, all dependent on material, pattern, and usage. What is agreed upon is where plaid originated. In the early 1500s, plaid was used in Scotland by different clans to represent their identity. In the cooler months, plaid was used as layering to protect from the cold weather.

Due to plaid being typically crafted with wool and cotton fabrics, it was worn in the fall and winter months, cementing it as a staple for the “-ber” months.

Within the plaid family we find a pattern known as checkered. Checks are stripes consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical lines which form squares, whether uniform or abstract. No two luxury brands are known for their check patterns more than Burberry and Louis Vuitton. Burberry’s tartan checks are synonymous with British culture, as Louis Vuitton’s Damier, the original pattern of the fashion house, is with French culture.

Louis Vuitton’s Damier

Louis Vuitton’s Damier canvas was first introduced in 1889, designed by Louis Vuitton himself and his son Georges Vuitton. Inspired by a chess board, the Damier pattern is older than LV’s iconic Monogram canvas! A century after it was first introduced, Louis Vuitton reintroduced the Damier as the, Damier Ebene, an ultra-stylish brown check pattern.

The companion piece to the Damier Ebene, the Damier Azur, was released in 2006 and saw a lighter, more “summer-inspired” check pattern. While the Damier Azur is a stunning example of a check pattern, autumn comes to life with the Damier Ebene. The earthy brown hue is the perfect pumpkin patch or rainy-day bestie.

Burberry’s Check

Burberry’s Check began its reign in the 1920s as the lining for their iconic trench coats. It wasn’t until 1967, when a buyer in a Parisian Burberry store removed the check linings from trench coats and used it to wrap luggage and umbrellas. This, officially, created the check as an accessory. After it was seen separate from the trench coats, the pattern was applied to scarves, bags, and ready-to-wear. Burberry’s Check has been seen on everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Victoria Beckham.

Shopping Burberry and Louis Vuitton on the Vintage Market

There’s no place better to find the fall-ready bag of your dreams than What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA)! As the premiere pre-loved vintage fashion retailer for over 30 years, WGACA prides itself on only the finest authentic pieces from an array of different eras and collections. Ensure you’re on trend and pick up a pre-loved Louis Vuitton or Burberry bag today!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is plaid so popular in the fall?

Plaid has long been associated with cooler months due to its origins in wool and cotton fabrics, which provide warmth. The earthy, layered look of plaid perfectly complements autumn's aesthetic of crunchy leaves, cozy vibes, and warm color palettes.

2. What’s the difference between plaid and check patterns?

While "plaid" and "check" are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction. Plaid refers to a variety of patterns typically woven with crisscrossing lines in various widths and colors. Checks are a specific type of pattern within the plaid family—consisting of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines forming squares.

3. How did Burberry’s check pattern become a fashion statement?

Originally just a coat lining, Burberry’s check became an accessory staple after a creative display in 1967. A buyer used the pattern to wrap items like luggage and umbrellas, which helped launch the check into mainstream fashion.

4. Where can I shop for vintage Burberry or Louis Vuitton pieces?

You’ve come to the right place! What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) is the premier vintage fashion retailer known for offering authentic, high-quality pieces from iconic brands like Louis Vuitton and Burberry.

Plaid & Checks for Fall: How Burberry and Louis Vuitton Make Autumn Iconic

Plaid for Fall? Groundbreaking

The Humble Beginnings of Plaids and Checks

Louis Vuitton’s Damier

Burberry’s Check

Shopping Burberry and Louis Vuitton on the Vintage Market

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