RETRO, MAINSTREAM AND EXOTIC SWIMWEAR

Article written by: Angela L. Serrette
Posted on: July 17, 2009

 

Naomi Campbell in snake skin swimsuit on the runway

Swimwear. The word conjures up everything from Olive Oyl’s and Popeye’s bathing suits to Elle McPherson on the cover of Sports Illustrated to Brazilian thongs.  Oh yes, and the dreaded dressing room mirror for some of us civilians. 

Compared to previous eras, today’s swimsuits leave little to the imagination and would have made mothers of the Victorian and Edwardian era gasp and run the other way and possibly leave town.  But today’s woman is super courageous, super confident and bodaciously proud.

Historically speaking, past swimsuit styles were derived from everyday wear and meant to offer some comfort but the primary focus was to keep modesty at all costs. Creativity was not a concern. Ultra modest swimsuits represented society’s concept of a “lady in proper attire” at the time.    

For instance: 

Early Edwardian swimsuits

1860’s Victorian swimsuits were made as a 2 piece belted flannel bathing dress.
Early Edwardian styles were a 2-3 piece belted ensemble. Ankles were allowed to show.
1920’s had the sleeveless wool tank suit-similar to men’s old-fashioned 1 piece tank suits.
1930’s replaced above styles with a skirt style suit which covered the thighs.
1946 The bikini was patented by Louis Reard.  Note first evidence of the bikini was seen in historical diagrams dating back to 200 A.D. worn on young women in Sicily’s Piazza Armerina.
1950’s saw the corset type swimsuit made to mold and shape the hourglass figure.
1960’s Nylon, Lycra were used in swimwear with the new emphasis on molding the suit to the body, prints, new fashion and comfort.
The rest is history……

Dior 1pc swimsuit Feb 2009

Can you imagine wearing a wool bathing suit on a 90 degree day at the beach?
As our lifestyle and times evolved luckily the swimsuit did as well.

Bar Rfaeli on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue 6-2009

Today’s swimwear is sexy, tantilizing, outrageous, exotic with in your face styling from top designers.  Texture mixing, vivid colors, striking prints, exotic florals, metal trim, eyelets, daring cuts for the courageous have come down the runway on the likes of Naomi Campbell and Gisele. Only the strongly confident need apply.  Superstars such as Fergie, Rihanna and Beyonce grace the beaches in their two pieces, tankinis and monokinis, giving fans something to talk about and the fashion world a chance to see trends take off. 

Designers such as Provocateur, Gottex, Galliano for Dior, Calvin Klein, stretch the limits creating new benchmarks for swimwear. They create fantasy swimwear that requires a complete look including makeup and accessories that are “to be seen in” and “not to get wet in”.  Think Jezebel and La Perla lingerie, but made for swimwear.

Galliano's 2005 swimwear runway look-still wearable today-timeless fun

Swimwear is a seasonal business for the short lived summer and resort getaways, therfore the enthusiasm and purchase power has to be strong and hold the consumer’s attention.  All consumer taste levels have to be considered at retail, mainstream and exotic fashion swimwear co-exist at different price points and in different departments.

However it is the exotic swimsuit that vamps up the runway, stirs excitement, pushes the envelope of creativity, enhances awareness of the physical appearance and offers an edge to beach wear fashion that didn’t exist.  And creates the anticipation of the next new wave of beachwear every year.

Tropical prints and vivid colors wake up the bikini this season.
Metal accessories, chains and pearls spice up swimwear without looking excessive or agressive.
Python printed swimwear look dangerously chic.
Matching designer handbags, hats, chiffon shawls and beach bags bring a “collection look” to the swimsuit.
One shoulder tankinis offer a surprise and modesty.
Revealing crotchet suits are for the courageous.
Tricky bikini ties challenge modesty.
The thong?…..need we say more?
Cover ups cover very little……

Gottex Lagoon swimsuit and matching wrap

If swimwear manufacturers from the 1800’s and early 1900’s could see us now they’d gasp, whisper, cover the kids eyes and think that the world has gone mad.  No, we’ve just moved on and created a new history for swimwear that expresses the women’s strength, diversity, lifestyle and personality…to each her own.

So pick your fantasy; Parisian Chic by Chanel.
A parade of color and bohemian mix of prints by
Galliano for Dior.
Secret magical forest of nymphs by Provocateur.
Brazilian chic by Anne Cole.
Hamptons chic minimalism by Calvin Klein.
Elegant mainstream ensembles by Gottex. 

1920 retro-swimwear beauties in wool 1 pc tank swimsuit

While you’re turning heads on the beaches, don’t forget to thank our ancestors for beginning a swimsuit trend we continue to perfect each year……

Apron style swimsuit of the 1950s

And to fashion designers that create a look for all lifestyles– luckily, without the wool and corset.