Nymph swimsuit styled by Her Modes
Maker
Her Modes
Date1950s
Object number00016481
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 800 mm
Clothing size: 34
Clothing size: 34
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis hot pink cotton swimsuit was made by Her Modes in the 1950s. Called a Nymph swimsuit the design includes a half skirt for modesty and removable halter neck straps. The suit's front panels and bust have ruched detailing, and the back is fully shirred. At the center of the empire line bust is a bow embellishment in pink cotton and the entire swimsuit has been overlaid with threaded silver tulle.
HistoryIn the 1950s and early 1960s swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped with paneling and built-in supports in order to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips. Known as a 'constructed' swimsuit they were first developed by a Canadian designer, Rose Marie Reid, in the 1940s.
Various swimwear designers drew on engineering and corsetry technology incorporating internal wiring, padding and elastic panels to achieve a sculptured cantilevered bust over a pinched-in 'wasp' waist. This voluptuous look was championed by film sirens Brigitte Bardot, Jayne Mansfield, Jane Russell, Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe.
SignificanceThis swimsuit reflects a flamboyant era in Australian beachwear fashions where designers experimented with new patterns, prints and textures. In the 1950s shirred stretch fabrics hugged the body and exaggerated the curves of the breasts and hips.
