If there ever was a holiday created for Minnie Mouse it would be National Polka Dot Day. Disney plans to celebrate in style by uniting interactive fashion and art with a “Minnie Rocks the Dots” event that will showcase Minnie Mouse’s signature style like the Fashion Icon she is.
Launching in Los Angeles with a red carpet preview event on National Polka Dot Day (Jan. 22) before opening to the public, the exhibit will take fans on a journey through the history of Minnie’s influence on fashion and pop culture since her black and white debut in 1928 and evolution into color.
Fashion designer Christian Siriano will reveal a custom dress designed just for Minnie during the exclusive preview night on Jan. 22. Siriano, known for his whimsical and show-stopping design – from fantasy evening gowns and cocktail dresses, to tailored sportswear, to intricately detailed shoes and accessories – has dressed many style icons over the years.
“Minnie Mouse and her iconic style have had a huge impact on me and on the fashion industry,” said fashion designer, Christian Siriano. “I drew inspiration from Minnie Mouse’s ability to light up a room and designed a dress for her that is happy, playful and what I like to call ‘downtown chic.’ I also infused some special touches to celebrate her classic polka dots.”
Hot off the heels of the successful Minnie: Style Icon exhibition during London Fashion Week, Minnie Rocks the Dots will feature iconic photographs, archive imagery and sketches from the 1930’s through the present day. Celebrity portraits of Twiggy and other fashion icons will be on display.
“Minnie Mouse has long served as a fashion muse and appeared in runway shows for designers around the globe,” said Soo Koo, vice president of product development, Disney Consumer Products. “Her classic polka dot look has been continually reimagined by the fashion industry through the decades and continues to drive trends today.”
Minnie is known for her trademark polka dot dress. The exhibition will also feature custom dresses worn by Minnie herself from countries including Russia and Mexico, as well as fashion pieces from around the world, directly inspired by Minnie.
Fans who attend the public event on Jan. 23 get a sneak peek at upcoming Minnie-inspired collaborations, in addition to being able to purchase brand new, limited edition items in a pop up shop. Minnie Rocks the Dots will take place at The Paper Agency, 1050 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, will be free and open to the public on January 23 from 12-8 pm PT.
Follow @MinnieStyle on Instagram and rock your dots in celebration of National Polka Dot Day #RockTheDots #MinnieStyle. Visit the Disney Style blog or @MinnieStyle on Instagram for live updates from the two day event.
Additionally, fans of all ages can find the new Minnie Mouse Signature Collection at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com now. Inspired by Disney’s most fashionable icon, the Minnie Mouse Signature Collection includes apparel, stationary and accessories featuring Minnie Mouse’s signature polka dots and bows. On National Polka Dot Day, Disney Store will release a glamorous Limited Edition Minnie Mouse doll to celebrate Disney’s first lady of fashion. These Minnie Mouse dolls are limited to 3,000 dolls and will be available in select Disney Store locations worldwide and online. The dolls will retail in the U.S. for $79.95.