There once was a time when female Polka Dot garbs and accoutrements were de rigueur of the fashionable 50s and 60s. Well fast forward to the present, and the inimitable polka dot brand (now vintage I might add) is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, and with a smorgasbord of new items to boot. The polka dot range is as diverse as ever —footwear, handbags/purses, hats/caps, jackets/coats, underwear/stockings, jewellery, household items etc. The list is endless. Howbeit, we caught up with inherent polka dot aficionado — Belgrade born Mirjana Marjanovic, and asked, among other things, her thoughts on the ineluctable and iconoclastic marque. NO: So Mirjana, why the fascination with polka dots? MM: I wouldn’t call it fascination, I like the pattern; fascination is too strong a word. NO: When did your love affair with the dots begin? MM: A few years ago when I got my first piece. Not long after, more followed. Furthermore, even my friends started buying me polka dot presents… NO: What was the first piece of polka dot item you bought? MM: I think it was a short sleeve top; upper half was in polka dot print. NO: Can you remember when you purchased it, and how much? MM: I bought it few years ago; I think Belgrade… I can’t remember how much I paid for it, but I don’t think it was expensive. NO: Do you believe there’s a sexual connotation associated with wearing polka dot dresses? MM: I suppose polka dots are associated with the pin -up girl image, hence sexual connotation. I don’t see it like that; it’s just clothes with polka dot patterns. NO: Some feminists believe polka dots hark back to the era of stay-at-home wives. What are your thoughts on this? MM: Same as with sexual connotation. I believe people sometimes try to find connections where there are not any necessarily. Yes, polka dots were popular in 50´s. Yes, that was the era of stay-at-home wives. But that time has long gone; we are now in the 21st century! Can’t some people just accept you as you are? I like looking feminine. NO: How much is it a part of your identity; part of your character/creative side if at all? MM: I like the playfulness of the pattern, numerous possibilities of combinations; colours, other patterns etc. So, in that respect, it would represent my character. NO: When donning polka dot outfits/accessories, what kind of message are you trying to transmit? MM: I am me, and I am happy being me, like it or leave it. NO: Do you believe there are specific occasions when to wear and when not to wear polka dots, i.e., job interviews, work, going on dates, weddings etc? MM: And I’ve worn polka dots on building sites, fashioning it with hard toe boots during inspections, so No! As long as you are comfortable in it, go for it. NO: What does the future hold for polka dots? Where do you see the brand in say 10-20 years from now? MM: It has been around for decades, so I’m sure it will still be around in 10-20 years’ time. NO: Lastly, do you have any message for the wannabes, newbie’s as well as seasoned polka dot enthusiasts as yourself? MM: Just enjoy it! NO: Thank you for your time. MM: You are welcome. Marjanovic has an M.A degree in Architecture and Interior design which she attained at London Metropolitan University. She also acquired a Professional Diploma in Architecture at Westminster University, London, England. At present, she works for a large architecture and design group in their central London studio. Marjanovic currently resides in the now fashionable, up market and gentrified borough of King’s Cross, London, England. The word polka dot derives from Poland, and translates to “Polish woman.” The translation in Czech is “Little woman or girl.” The American women’s magazine “Godey’s Lady’s Book” was the first to print the term way back in 1857. The polka dot brand first made its way into the American subconscious around the 1920’s. In 1928, Walt Disney introduced the cartoon character Minnie Mouse rocking a red polka dot dress with matching bow. In 1940, legendary crooner Frank Sinatra released the ballad “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.” In the same decade, fashion designer Christian Dior presented his “New Look” collection of hourglass dresses; many bedecked with dots. In 1960, Brian Hyland released the hit song “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” In 1962, Marvel Comics uncorked its polka dot-clad Superhero “Polka-Dot Man,” who employed the power of polka dots to defeat the baddies. Interview:
Mirjana Marjanovic's Bio:
A few bits and pieces from Marjanovic’ Polka Dot World:
A brief history of Polka Dot:
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