Minnie Style Celebrates National Polka Dot Day
For National Polka Dot Day, Disney lovers gathered at Mickey: The True Original Exhibition to celebrate a character well-known for her flamboyant use of the print in her wardrobe: Minnie Mouse. The main focus of the private event was to unveil a brand-new art piece in the space called “A Nice Day with Minnie and Daisies,” which explores the joy and wonder of the mouse that has continued to inspire worldwide. The artist of this work is Alake Shilling, a 25-year-old Los Angeles-based painter, ceramicist, and hard-core Disney fan. “I grew up on Disney!” Shilling exclaimed at the event. “The first characters I started drawing were Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse, and I think it just grew from there. I actually have a background in animation, so my love for animating and cartoons definitely inspired this artwork. I love silly symphonies also.” Shilling seemed ecstatic to be signing autographs and taking pictures with guests: “It's mind-blowing [to see my painting here]. It's just something I never thought would happen, especially not so early in my career as an artist. It's really crazy.”
Food and drinks also played a key part in the festivities. The exhibition crafted a custom cocktail called “The Chick” in honor of Minnie’s feminine flair. The concoction was made with vodka, rose elixir, and Prosecco, adorned with a sugar rim and licorice. Additionally, Pineapple Greens and Dragon Fruit Punch from Disney’s collaboration with Pressed Juicery were being served. As for the food, kale caesar and chicken and waffles bites were passed around on Disney-themed platters. However, the highlight was surely the make-your-own candy bag bar, where attendees collected a variety of Minnie-colored treats from Sugarfina to take home.
Throughout the course of the evening, guests snapped tons of pictures in front of Instagrammable art installations (read more about the exhibition here), as well as a red and white step and repeat covered in Minnie’s bows that was put up solely for the event.
After dancing the night away to tunes spun by DJ Lady Sha, goody bags were bestowed with sequin ears, red lipstick and liner, and buttons...because there’s no such thing as being too spirited. Just break out your favorite polka dot frock if you ever forget.
