Mumbai’s fashion scene has always been a vibrant tapestry of style and symbolism, especially in Bollywood where outfits often whisper big news. On National Polka Dot Day, we’re diving into how this playful pattern became the ultimate pregnancy announcement staple for India’s top actresses.
It all kicked off with Anushka Sharma, who stunned fans in a charming polka dot dress while revealing her pregnancy. The look was an instant hit, sparking endless buzz and setting a new trend. Soon, Kiara Advani followed suit, slipping into a polka dot ensemble for her maternity photoshoot that captivated social media.
Alia Bhatt took it up a notch with a striking black-and-white polka dot ruffle dress, subtly signaling her journey into motherhood. The post went viral, reigniting the pattern’s popularity. Stars like Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Natasha Stankovic also embraced polka dots during their pregnancies, transforming the dots into symbols of joy and new beginnings.
But polka dots have a darker origin. In 18th-century Europe, plagues and smallpox left spotted rashes on victims, making the pattern taboo for ages. The shift came in the 19th century with the polka dance craze from Bohemia. Dresses adorned with round dots hit markets, earning the name ‘polka dot.’
By the 1920s and 1930s, it exploded globally. Norma Smallwood’s 1926 polka dot swimsuit as Miss America turned heads, while Disney’s Minnie Mouse in 1928 made it iconic. Frank Sinatra’s albums and Marilyn Monroe’s style in the 1940s-60s cemented its pop culture status. Today, Bollywood has given polka dots a fresh, celebratory twist.