From Modest Folk Dressing to Full-On Rebel Fashion

Polka dots, once dismissed as a frivolous and juvenile pattern, underwent a remarkable transformation during the 20th century, turning into a symbol of rebellion and counterculture.

Thanks to Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, in the 1950s polka dots took on a rebellious edge.

On a personal note, I always found it outrageous when I was picked up by the NYPD back in the day and told that no respectable white woman would be in Harlem. Incensed as my doctor roommate and I got in the back of the police car, I wanted to blurt out “But I’m wearing navy blue and white polka dots, for heaven’s sake. I’m not a hooker.”

I just asked Lulu if Miuccia Prada was ever arrested during her protest years and Lulu says “no”.

Miuccia Prada’s Dots

Polka dots have appeared regularly in Miuccia Prada’s collections over the years and they are out in full force in Miu Miu’s QiXi 2023 [Valentine’s Day in China] collection and campaign lensed by Lengua [IG].

The campaign stars models Ying Ouyang and Ruiqi Jiang, styled by Lotta Volkova.

Miu Miu’s QiXi 2023 collection takes timelessly elegant motifs - knife pleats, pencil skirts and polka dots – and contrasts them with an active lifestyle – baseball caps, pedal pushers, tennis dresses and washed denims.

Known for her artful twists, Miu Miu’s delicate silks are juxtaposed with signature knits, including ribbed socks and sweaters in schoolboy grey. It’s all so normal . . . but what happens when we look under the hood.

Miu Miu is on fire in everywhere in the world, reporting a 42 percent increase in the first quarter and a blistering 57 percent in second quarter.