Polka dots provoke a reaction every time they reappear. “It’s quite a revolution, dear Christian,”

Harper’s Bazaar

’s Irish editor-in-chief Carmel Snow told

Christian Dior

after his 1947 “New Look” collection launched in Paris.

Dior introduced the voluptuous dress with the cinched waist and brought back the polka dot, which trended through the 1950s. Worn by Marilyn Monroe on the "itsy-bitsy" bikini that inspired the song, polka dots embodied post-war confidence. Maybe it's a good sign for the Irish that fashion's most revolving trend has returned to the catwalks for spring/summer 2014, and has now hit the high street.

Marc Jacobs said: “I don’t think there is ever a wrong time for the polka dot.” He would say that, as one of their main proponents, together with Burberry. Right now, in

Vogue

, you’ll spot the popular dots on a black-and-white gypsy dress with shoulder bows in the latest campaign by Dolce & Gabbana, fashion’s frivolous darlings. And they’re all all over town – on gauzy black tops and stretchy jeans at H&M, black over Easter-bonnet yellow by Victoria Beckham in Brown Thomas, on jersey tops and tights at Topshop. In coin-sized spots and in jumbo circles (see Michael Kors and Moschino), the connotations are brassy, flirtatious, and open. In dots or pin pricks (see Yves San Laurent) they become elegant and sultry.

The print is locked in a cycle of nostalgia. Rockabilly queen Imelda May has been its Irish ambassador this year, touring the UK in a loud and dotty wiggle dress.