By ALISON CONNOLLY
Here’s a bit of swimwear design trivia for you: The bikini was invented in Paris by Louis Réard in 1946 following the end of World War II. At the time, this radical design was intended to reflect the new attitude of women who were feeling liberated and strong following the war. That brings us to another piece of swimwear trivia: The bikini was named after Bikini Atoll, the test site for the … Read More
I just moved into an old, never renovated 1950’s house replete with retro character; my words for never updated. It brings back memories of my family home and week-ends spent in Atlantic Beach, NY. My mother and her friends congregated under beach umbrellas by our cabana wearing their one piece skirted bathing suits. We went seaside, mostly to avoid parental governance. Swimwear fashion in the 1950′,s now considered vintage design inspiration, was really rather sophisticated. … Read More
Marilyn Monroe 1950
What goes around comes around, particularly in fashion. So, it’s not surprising that the brief is on the rise, both in lingerie collections and swimwear. I was scouring through some old photos of feminine icons the other day, celebrities that graced the media in the 1940’s to the 60’s. It’s uncanny how the two piece bathing suit designs worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Ava Gardner, and more are … Read More
Recently I became acquainted with the 90+ year old Lahco Swimwear company based in Baden, Switzerland. Intrigued by the brand’s vintage heritage, I learned that at one time Lahco had a history as the best-selling swimsuits in Europe. Now, re-tooled with a clean and modern look, they have entered the North American market with intent. Engineered with the precise attention to detail and fit, Lahco remains true to its Swiss DNA; swimsuits designed with retro … Read More
By Ellen Lewis
As I dive deeper and deeper into the viability of swimwear business in Lingerie stores, I can’t help but examine the influences of the past on today’s amazing bathing suit styles. It’s fun to see the evolution from more is less to less is more. I stopped after the 80’s. I can’t quite wrap my head around the idea that the 1990’s is part of the “retro” world. Not yet, at least!… Read More
By Rhea Cortado
Without a plan and with the intention of “just looking,” I went to the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena. This is not a good idea. The Rose Bowl flea market is bigger than any flea market you have ever been to, multiplied by tens and a lot of it is redundant. If you get lost, there is no way someone can find you using descriptions like, “I’m by the booth with … Read More
