Going dotty: Polka dots return in modern avatar this season

When Natalie Portman stepped out recently for the premiere of her documentary, Eating Animals in New York, she  made heads turn in a strapless Miu Miu polka dot tiered dress. The classic monochrome pattern with the sexy sweetheart neckline added to the appeal. Penelope Cruz was snapped during the Cannes Film Festival flaunting her hot bod in a fitted Alexandre Vauthier dotted dress with ruffle detail, completing the look with white stilettos and a matching handbag. Meanwhile, Keri Russell added a romantic touch donning a one-shoulder ruffled Johanna Ortiz dress for The Americans season 6 premiere. Side swept locks styled in waves and a red lip completed the look. There’s something about this classic pattern that prompts designers to constantly work on reinventing it, making it resurface ever so often in their designs. A look at the Spring Summer 2018 runways indicates the prominence of the polka, as seen on models for Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera and Jacquemus. 

RETRO APPEAL

It’s the old-school nostalgia factor due to which polka dots are having a huge fashion moment. The comeback of this surprisingly versatile print has taken many shapes. From retro adaptations to colourful experiments, polka dots are all set to dominate your wardrobe, says Pernia Qureshi, founder Pernia’s Pop-up Shop. “Whether it’s in swimwear (Shivan & Narresh) or Indian wear (Masaba), there’s a hint of polka everywhere. You’ll find a fun and feminine juxtaposition of polka and pink in my summer collection too,” mentions Pernia, adding, “Play with the print — from your shoes to your headband — but don’t wear it all together. Experiment with a rainbow of colours, perfect for your vacation wardrobe. Black on white or vice-versa is a classic polka interpretation and adds a touch of sophistication to your look.” 

PLAY WITH PATTERNS

The best part about the polka is that it can be played around with to suit the individual. It’s hard to forget Julia Roberts’ elegant avatar in a brown polka dot dress in Pretty Woman.

Closer home, Kareena Kapoor Khan has proved she can pull off the bold pattern effortlessly sporting a Michael Kors halter style dress with a thick waist belt for the promotions of her last film. Bestie Malaika Arora, meanwhile, adopted the classic for a matching blazer and shorts suit set that she wore for dinner. Polka has this lightness of playful verve which celebrates feminity with fun. 

Designer Rebecca Dewan explains, “Designers for 2018 have registered dots in its classic and refined formed. By sticking to timeless monochrome, designers have uplifted this pattern trend without making it look childish. Also, people are mixing dots with checks or with stripes to create this pattern clash effect, which is interesting. Personally, I feel a dainty day dress of tea-length looks best in white and multi-hued polkas. Also, feminine vintage blouses with billowing sleeves look great in polka dots too.”

SEASON FAVOURITE

The polka is a spring summer essential. Even in terms of silhouette, there are no boundaries when it comes to polka dots as it lends itself as easily to a pocket square to a nine-yard sari, opines designer Nikita Mhaisalkar. It works for all age groups, too. While 18-year-old Yara Shahidi opted for a miniature version of the print for her Rasario ensemble at the Kids Choice Awards, 41-year-old Kerry Washington went for a more elegant look in a Carolina Herrera dress. Sonam K Ahuja, too, experimented with a bold print for one of her Cannes Film Festival look with a matching scarf. “Antifit shifts, smock dresses and kimono jackets look best in these polka styles. Experiment with mega dots and style them with mixed dot sizes for interesting visual effects. Smaller and dense dots works for bigger, heavy body types whereas medium size works best for petite body types. Women with heavy bottoms or a heavy top should avoid bigger dot patterns,” adds Nikita.