Tina Leser was one of the premier American sportswear designers in the 1940's and 50's. Here she fashions a skirted halter swimsuit entirely in yellow cotton pleats. Each pleat is edged with white loop braid. This suit sold for $35.00 (about $272.00 in today's dollar) at Bonwit Teller, Julius Garfinkle, and Bullock's-Wilshire. In my opinion, it's worth every penny.
I had no idea Hubert de Givenchy designed swimwear. This black skirted suit is his design for Jantzen. Made of acetate and nylon woven with Lastex, the suit sold for $25.00 (about $194.00 in today's dollar). The turban is by Adolfo.
My favorite of today's suits, this Catalina maillot is designed to emulate the styling of blue jeans. Navy blue orlon with Lastex is topstitched with contrasting thread and rivets decorate the front. Sold for $20.00 (about $155.00 in today's dollar).
Polly Hornburg was a native Bermudian who designed play clothes and swimwear for her 6 Calypso stores in Bermuda and Jamaica, as well as for stores all over the US. She was also known for designing one piece suits for skin-diving. Long sleeved and long legged, this elasticized cotton knit would keep you warmer in deeper waters. The high neckline dips to a deep V in the back, which I figure makes this suit more sexy than practical, but I'm not a diver, so what do I know? Sold for $30.00 (about $233.00 in today's dollar).
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7 comments:
How come skirted suits looked glam back then but just look frumpy now?
Holy cow, Givenchy for Jantzen, I had no idea. Love the long legged diving suit!
love the turban! it's so glamorous!
Adolfo was a milliner before he became a clothing designer (so was Halston). His hats are wonderful.
The yellow number is stunning!
The amount of work in the Tina Leser yellow suit is just amazing. The white loop trim is sewn to each pleat individually. Can you imagine the work involved?
I love how glamorous vintage swim suits are!
That diving suit makes me giggle! I cannot imagine what it'd be like diving with my back exposed (I'm a diver)--especially in non-tropical waters! hehe. A fashion flight of fancy, I must say. ;)
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