Women's Cole of California swimsuit
Maker
Cole of California
(American)
Date1950s
Object number00003385
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 590 x 340 mm, 0.2 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis 1950s cotton swimsuit features a bold blue and white geometric pattern, gathered cuff neckline trimmed with a band of shirring, ruched bra detailing and a shirred back. Fully lined with a half skirt for modesty, the swimsuit was made by the American company Cole of California.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 is representative of women's beachwear fashions produced by the American swimwear manufacturer Cole of California in the 1950s.
