2019.05.26; Polka Dot Print History
Published by DB,
The History of Polka Dots in Photos
"There is never a wrong time for a polka dot." - Marc Jacobs
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A history lesson on the ever-famous bespeckled print:
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Game-changer.
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Women's lifestyle magazine Godey's Lady's Book was the first to use the term polka dot (in reference to a scarf) in its 1857 issue, with the following description: "Scarf of muslin, for light summer wear, surrounded by a scalloped edge, embroidered in rows of round polka dots."
What do you mean?
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Before polka dot was coined, terms like Dotted-Swiss, quiconce (a French term for the pattern on a five-side of dice), and thalertupfen (German word describing the dotted fabric that resembled the country's currency—thaler) were used in mid-19th Century Europe.
Miss America.
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Some credit this photo of Miss America 1926 in a polka dot swimsuit for the emergence of love for the print in the U.S.
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Binding agreement.
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In the spring of 1940, the Los Angeles Times wrote on the print, noting, "You can sign your fashion life away on the polka-dotted line, and you'll never regret it."
Marilyn moment.
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This 1951 snapshot is one of the most famous photographs ever taken of Marilyn Monroe.
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Fancy yourself a polka dot fan?
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By the mid-20th Century, polka dot print was no longer a staple in the everyday person's wardrobe, but rather a pattern of luxury. This came with the introduction of Christian Dior's "New Look" collection of dotted dresses.
He's got style.
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While originally considered to be a feminine print, polka dot has since become popular in men's fashion as well. In 1962, Marvel Comics even introduced a polka-dotted superhero, Polka-Dot Man, who used the print to take down foes.
History lesson.
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Polka dot wasn't always the beloved print it is today. Back in Medieval Europe, creating an even pattern of dots was complicated, which made polka dots look more like diseases (think leprocy and small pox) than fashionable accents.
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Debate team.
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There is much debate and skepticism over the connection between the English term "polka dot" and the 19th Century's Polish music and dance craze.
Defining moment.
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Polka means "Polish woman" in Polish, and "little woman or girl" in Czech.
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Culture club.
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In some non-Western cultures, polka dots were signs of things like magic, a successful hunt, and male potency.
A VERY.BIG.FAN.
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The Duchess of Cambridge donned the print upon leaving the hospital after giving birth to Prince George.
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