FASHION BACKSTROKE
As promised, today we’ve got a few swimwear looks that owe a lot to history. Of course, it’s difficult to innovate too much with the amount of fabric swimwear designers have to work with but, nonetheless, there are still many strange and wonderful swimsuits on the market. Have a look and, as usual, click on the images to enlarge them.
La Dolce Vita
If you’re planning on having a public breakdown in or around a water feature (like Anita Ekberg in the film, La Dolce Vita) and want to avoid the judgmental stares at the dry cleaner, there is, apparently, such a thing as a swimming dress. I like the idea of providing the public a bit of respite from my blindingly white thighs, too. What do you think, is this a look that can work at the pool? Norma Kamali ‘Zora’ Stretch-Mesh Swimming Dress – $525 at Net-A-Porter
Yes, Doctor
This look was hot in 1962 (on Ursula Andress in the Bond film, Dr.No) and it’s hot still. Michael Kors ‘Speed Clip’ Metallic-Trimmed Bikini – $265 at Net-A-Porter, Michael Kors ‘Speed Clip’ One-Piece - $315 at Net-A-Porter
Siren of the Sea
There’s a reason this is one of the most enduring Hollywood images – that’s a darn good dress. There’s no reason it can’t make waves as a swimsuit too. Norma Kamali Ruched Halter Swimsuit – $350 at Bergdorf Goodman
Yves’ Influence
Yves Saint Laurent’s ‘Mondrian’ dresses made a splash in contemporary fashion in the 1960′s and the concept is doing so again, literally. Pret-A-Surf Graphic Colorblock One-Piece – $365 at Shopbop.com
Bathing Barbarella
If you’ve got adventurous style, a sense of humor, and secret ass-kicking capabilities, this Barbarella style might peak your fancy. JETS by Jessica Allen White Label ‘Sensations’ Collared, Belted Swimsuit – $330 at Net-A-Porter, JETS by Jessica Allen White Label ‘Sensations’ Collared, Belted Bikini – $290 at Net-A-Porter
Sideshow
Nothing captures slick glamour like a Helmut Newton photograph and his shot of Jerry Hall in 1975 is no different. If you like to play with what you conceal and reveal, this backless Balmain number with an extra dose of side-cleavage (like Jerry’s) might be what you’re looking for. Balmain One-Shoulder Cut-Out Swimsuit – $325 at Bergdorf Goodman
