Polka dot
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Polka dot is a pattern consisting of dots. Polka dot patterns are quite variable: they range from a series of dots that are equally spaced and sized to a random arrangement of multicoloured dots of different sizes. Polka dots are most commonly seen on children's clothing, toys, and furniture, but they appear in a wide array of contexts. The pattern rarely appears in formal contexts, however, and is generally confined to more playful attire such as bathing suits. Occasionally white on black regularly spaced polka dots appear on more formal clothing.
While polka dots are ancient, they first became common on clothing in the late nineteenth century in Britain. At the same time polka music was extremely popular and the name was also applied to the pattern, despite no real connection between them.
[edit] Usage
The musician Randy Rhoads used a Flying V guitar with polka dots. The professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes was given a black outfit covered in yellow polka dots during his time in the WWE (then WWF). This seemed strange at the time but went on to become a successful and memorable gimmick. Artist Yayoi Kusama uses polka dots throughout much of her work. Blues guitarist Buddy Guy regularly plays a signature Fender Stratocaster painted in black with cream polka dots. The worldwide recognized fashion-designer, Carolina Herrera used polka dots on most of their dresses during late 80s and early 90s, including on the box of the perfumes Carolina Herrera, Herrera For Men, Aquaflore and Flore. People use to associate Polka Dots with this extraordinary venezuelan-designer.
There were many other “polka” items some of which include “polka-hats” and “polka-jackets.” Most disappeared with the fad of the actual polka dance. Only the polka dot fabric pattern remained popular, and the name has been left intact over the years.
In 2006, polka dot skirts, dresses, scarves and tops became a fad in the United Kingdom. The polka dot skirts were usually pencil skirts. This started another fashion period, after which silk replaced the polka dot. The Pipettes were instrumental in bringing about this fashion trend.
[edit] References
- Peacock, John (2007). Fashion since 1900: the complete sourcebook. Thames & Hudson. ISBN 0500513457
- Linda Welters and Patricia A. Cunningham (eds.) (2005). Twentieth-century American fashion. Berg. ISBN 1-84520-072-1
