Polka dot designs have been with us for a long time. Since medieval times. But I think before that - in indigenous cultures where tattooing was prevalent and dots formed patterns. But they weren't the patterns that polka dots have come to mean. More on that to come.
So medieval times? Dots meant rashes like leprosy syphilis, smallpox, bubonic plague and measles. It was after the mid 1700s that polka dots came into their own with the sewing machine, and perfectly round and evenly spaced dots because of mechanized weaving. And dancing the polka.
The polka dot pattern is said to bring wealth and prosperity in the Philippines. The round shapes symbolize money and fortune. Dresses, shirts, pants, shoes or any accessories with polk dot patterns are part of New year's celebrations and blessings.
And there's a theory that when celebrities are pregnant they often turn up in polka dots. The Hindustan Times says that "the most viral example of the same was Anushka Sharma who announced her pregnancy in 2020 wearing a polka dotted dress. Kareena Kapoor had also opted for a polka dotted dress as part of her maternity wardrobe."
Yes, it tends to be a feminine pattern. Men can have polka dot ties and socks, maybe a festive shirt. But forget the rest. George Clooney in the polka dot suit leaning against the polka dot car was outrageous and fun. That was 2013 with the artist Kusama creating the dot style for all the photos.
Part of the fun is that there was sa tradition of American actresses and celebrities who wore polka dots - Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. Even the sophisticated Grace Kelly is seen in polka dots.
But the rest of us - we aren't so adventurous. Polka dots are considered the realm of children's clothing, bathing suits, and similar attire.
There is a heads-up on a rebel theme. Since the 1980s the polka dot appears in gay culture and representing subversion and rebellion. Supposedly unconventional colour choices, textures and styling do it.
So polka dots in our times are in recession. In fact, most prints are in recession. They have gone into the unconscious past. It is consistent with our colour journey which has receded into dark hue - blacks, greys, blues.
Maybe if we started doing the polka dance again, the collective conscious polka dot memory would come back.
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