Polka dots are back to show us why this print is indispensable for the fashion world! With Jennifer Lawrence’s appearance on the Oscar red carpet in a black Dior dress with white polka dots, the rumors circulating about the revival of this print were proven true. Not in vain, at the end of last year, did brands such as Valentino, Balmain, Miu Miu, and Marni announce the return of one of the most popular patterns in the wardrobe.
The image on the left from Carlos Saura’s movie Flamenco shows dancers wearing polka dots. The photograph on the right shows two polka dancers in polka dot costumes in the early 20th century.
Whenever polka dots make a comeback, it’s good to remember their history in the fashion world and how they’ve evolved over the years. After all, they’ve been around for a long time. They are strongly associated with the Spanish culture. It was common for gypsy women to wear polka dots; later flamenco dancers incorporated them into their costumes; and gradually women from other regions of Spain and of high social status added polka dots to their dresses for formal occasions. A dance called the polka emerged in the mid-nineteenth century in the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic and the dance became popular throughout Europe. “Polkamania” swept the continent, launching accessories and apparel associated with the catchy dance, including clothing printed with dots that came to be referred to as “polka dots.”
Norma Smallwood, Miss America 1926, is pictured above wearing a polka dot swimsuit. At center, the famous actress Marilyn Monroe wears a swimsuit to promote a movie in 1951, and the picture on the right shows a classic Balmain dress designed in 1953.
From the beginning, polka dots proved irresistible for the fashion world and were quickly established as an important print: beauty pageant contestants in the 1920s wore polka dot swimsuits, and around the same time, Walt Disney dressed Minnie Mouse in a polka dot dress. The boom continued through the forties and fifties, when polka dot swimsuits and bikinis were a must-have. Fashion magazines ran them in features, and Hollywood stars wore them in their movies. And of course, haute couture has also adopted polka dots for many of its designs; brands such as Dior or Balmain have used this print repeatedly in their collections. In recent decades, polka dots have continued to be a staple of the fashion world. They’ve appeared in a cyclical fashion and been reinterpreted by a variety of designers.
Beachwear is now full of polka-dot interpretations; from left to right we have a black and white combination in an Oysho swimsuit design; in the middle a print that blends polka dots and florals; and on the right a cover up with maxi polka dots.
And now, polka dots are back in our closets, creating endless possibilities, versatility, and the unique style this print gives to all kinds of outfits, including casual and summer wear along with a variety of options for the beach. How will you incorporate them into your fashion stories? Here’s a quick look at some of the ways to make the most of polka dots this season, and the many ways you can interpret them in your brand’s upcoming collections.
Polka dots can be worn for many different occasions: casual looks like the set by Cara Cara on the left, a swimsuit design in the middle by Amir Slama with polka dots of different sizes, and, on the right, a sheer polka-dot halterneck dress by Miu Miu, perfect for summer.
Did you know you can create high quality polka dot beachwear with our full package service? We provide a complete solution for the production of apparel and accessories.
