Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille, dimanche 4 juillet 1886, 15e Année, No. 757: Etoffes de la M.on Le Houssel (...) 1886

This fashion plate by A. Chaillot, dated July 4, 1886, showcases garments featuring polka dots. Circular motifs have a long history—think of ancient sun symbols, potent emblems of life and energy. Here, though, the dots are repurposed for fashion, adorning the dresses of Parisian women. This contrasts sharply with the motif's earlier ritualistic uses, yet echoes the cyclical nature of symbols. Even in the 19th century, polka dots were not merely decorative; they subtly projected a sense of playfulness and modernity. Consider, too, how these patterns evoke a sense of order and rhythm, perhaps reflecting a deeper human desire for structure amidst chaos. It's fascinating to see how symbols, charged with meaning, resurface and reinvent themselves across time, engaging our collective memory.