Monochrome Monday: The Polka Dot Edition

While polka dots are a fashion staple today, their prominence wasn't always so assured. Originally, the polka dot pattern served a practical purpose: revamping old, worn-out clothes by covering stains with a visually appealing print.

Polka dots trace their origins to East Asia, where they emerged through the Shibori dyeing technique. This method produced evenly spaced dots on a dark fabric background, allowing working-class individuals to renew inexpensive clothing by masking small imperfections. Over time, Shibori gained prestige, transitioning from modest garments to high-end textiles like silk, and eventually becoming a hallmark of luxury design.

Today, polka dots are one of fashion’s foremost darlings. For this week’s Monochrome Monday, we’re showcasing our favourite polka dot pieces from regional