Dot it, to be Spotted!
Yes, we are seeing spots again this spring; the classic polka dot is making its comeback once again through the likes of designers including Self Portrait, Carolina Herrera and Junya Watanabe. While we have a love affair with this iconic dot, let’s take a look where our spotted friend first made its mark in the history of fashion!
It all began back in 1926 when Miss America, Norma Smallwood, was photographed in a polka dot bikini. Shortly after, in 1928, Disney introduced its cartoon delight Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress and matching bow.
Throughout the 30s and 40s, it was obvious that the polka dot had become a revolution in women’s fashion. Polka dot dresses appeared everywhere in stores, with ribbons and bows. The dot was also a popular pattern for kitchenware and other household items. Swinging ‘blue eyes’ Frank Sinatra, invigorated the pattern with his ballad “Polka Dots and Moonbeams”. The song captured the peak of America’s polka dot mania.
Christian Dior’s couture collection in 1954 featured an elegant, structured black dress with white dots. Vogue reported it as a "direct, unblushing plan to make women extravagantly, romantically, eyelash-battingly female". It worked, as a star was born! The polka dot dress was Dior’s best-seller in his sophisticated “New Look” collection and remained a staple of ladylike dresses through the 1950s. It was photographed once again as a swimsuit in 1951, though this time on the famous Marilyn Monroe.
Swinging to the 60s and the release of Brian Hyland’s #1 hit song, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” This novelty song brought polka dots back into vogue. From the mod craze of the 60s drop-waisted scooter dresses, to being spotted in the 70s psychedelic and bohemian fashion, then through to the 80s power suits and office attire alike. It also illustrated the rockabilly retro trend of the 90s… who can forget Julia Roberts in 1990s “Pretty Woman”? Attending the races in a polka dot dress and matching hat!
Spring Summer 2018 offers classic, ladylike polka dots right through to a new take on the motif. From micro dots to mixing with other patterns through to contrasting fabrics. Though mixing and matching is favoured, stealing the show is a strong vintage vibe with black & white polka dots!
So when fashion goes spotty, it’s the always-in-style iconic print, the Polka Dot, re-discovered once again!
Maurizio ;-)
