Dot On

While typically found in Spring/Summer wardrobes, spread across tea dresses and full-skirts, it was the Autumn/Winter 2024 shows that exercised a masterclass on how to elevate this spotted spectacle. Moving away from its dated affiliations, the polka dot has been spotted (see what we did there?) on the red carpet and the runways of some of the top luxury houses.

At London Fashion Week, Molly Goddard’s reems of taffeta and tulle were bespeckled with polka dots that struck the perfect balance of quaint and quirky. Coral and mauve pieces shone on the runway and the polka-dotted detailing added a playfulness to the larger-than-life silhouettes.

While over at 16Arlington, creative director Marco Capaldo ensured his spotted vision was a far cry from polka dot’s slighted reputation. Sexy sheer skirts and halter-neck dresses were dotted with scarlet and emerald spots, glinting under the runway lights and emulating full-moon sequins.

In Milan, Harris Reed presented his third collection for Nina Ricci, a fashion house famed for its liberal use of the dotted print. His debut for the Italian house opened with Precious Lee in a fully polka-dotted look; two collections on it’s clear that Harris still has the hots for spots. A white puff-sleeve dress showered with black polka-dots was a near replica of Lady Diana’s iconic 1988 Ascot dress and a testament to the enduring style of the simply spotted garment.

From the runway to the red carpet, Icelandic Folk singer, Laufey took home the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and her pale pink Chanel dress speckled with black spots sweetly complemented the whimsy of her sound.

While at the Oscars, Jennifer Lawrence made a case for the spotted seductress. Wearing a strapless Haute Couture Dior gown and matching shawl, the tomato red of the carpet was strikingly contrasted by her black and white polka dot dress.