Images(2)

Tigerlily 'Strawberry' bikini

Maker Tigerlily (Australian)

Date2009

Object numberV00046127

NameBikini

Medium80% Nylon, 20% Elastane (Spandex, Lycra)

DimensionsClothing size: 10

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tigerlily

Terms

DescriptionThis pink triangular string bikini was designed by Amelia Stanley for Tigerlily's 2009 collection. Featuring a strategically placed strawberry on the bikini bottoms, the halter necked swimsuit is known as the 'Strawberry' bikini. Tigerlily is an emerging Australian swimwear label launched by Jodhi Meares in 2000.HistoryTigerlily, launched in 2000 by Jodhi Meares, a successful model, television host and entrepreneur, is a brand associated with glamour. Her early collections included exotic and expensive designs such as a $500,000 pearl-encrusted bikini and a $2,000,000 diamond bikini. Her swimsuits have a playful edge with design details often strategically placed on bikini bottoms. Today Amelia Stanley is Tigerlily's designer while Meares is Creative Director. Tigerlily was bought by surfwear giant Billabong in 2007. From the 19th century Australians wore homemade bathing costumes based on overseas pattern books, or ready-made mail order swimwear. Retailers soon provided the latest fashions from British and American companies. By the 1930s swimwear was being mass produced by local knitting mills with brand names that reflected the Australian lifestyle- Challenge Racer, Sunkist, Penguin, Golden Fleece, Kookaburra, Top Dog, Seagull and Speedo. Australia's relaxed attitude to fashion has enabled swimwear and beachwear to become a focus of the Australian fashion industry. Innovative local brands have gained international recognition. Australian designers blend high-end fashion and performance swimwear with a leisure market that demands the latest fabrics, colours and styles. In the early 20th century most swimsuits were produced in wool. There was early experimentation with developing rib-like knits that were more elastic, followed by the use of Lastex, a rubber yarn that created a garment with less sag and drag. In the 21st century, advances in textile technology have resulted in the development of wool jersey fabrics with a high compression Lycra component. Wool was the most elastic fabric available until the invention of synthetic fibres in 1938. Rib knit technology gave woollen swimming costumes their stretch - the knit stitch provided strength and the purl stitch stretch. The tight rib knit used for jumper cuffs was first used for men's rowing suits in 1913. The elasticity of these woollen rowing suits was the inspiration for the male swimsuit. The growing popularity of swimming inspired new fashions, manufacturing techniques and fabric technologies. The linear stretch of elastic enabled manufacturers to mass-produce figurehugging fabrics that provided greater movement and improved swimming performance.SignificanceThis swimsuit shows the design emphases of Tigerlily, one of Australia's new generation swimwear brands. With their playful and glamorous edge, Tigerlily designs add a contemporary perspective to Australian swimwear.