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Newspaper clippings relating to beauty, fashion, modelling and body competitions

Date1930-1938

Object numberANMS0445

NameArchive series

MediumPaper

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dale O'Sullivan

Terms

DescriptionThis archive series numbered [001] - [044] consists of newspaper clippings relating to beauty, fashion, modelling and body competitions in Australia, England, and the United States collected by designer Peter O'Sullivan. Included are clippings from The Telegraph, The Daily Sketch, The Sun News, The Herald, and other newspapers. They make mention Sally Evans, Barbara Montgomery, Rosemary Andree, Gloria Glammer, Valeska Surratt, Dorothy Dell Goff, Beryl George, Mardee Hoff, Beryl Caelli, Berna Nairn, Jean Chatburn, Sheila Hunter, Diana Mannering, Rosemary Regina Rogers, Patricia Fielding, Mary Mullen, Joan Denton, Berna Nairn, Irene McGimley, Prunella Stack, and June Thompson. They also document male competitions, mentioning L M Leonard, Rank Caton, John Horsley and Ross Barton.HistoryPeter O'Sullivan became the first Australian to successfully design and manufacturer swimwear for export to the United States by creating two innovations. He won the world patent for the square belt buckle, known as the 'Superman' buckle, after it was incorporated into Superman's costume and he developed the small skirt across the front of both men's and women's swimsuits known as the 'modesty panel'. O'Sullivan's 'modesty panel' became a feature of Australian and international swimwear fashions right up until the 1970s. His Black Lance swimwear range in the 1930s featured low cut backs, fashionable colours and decorative flourishes.SignificanceThis is a rare archival collection with excellent display potential relating to Melbourne based swimwear designer Peter O'Sullivan. The collection documents all aspects of knitted swimwear production from the development of designs, to the choice of models, manufacture and distribution of swimwear. The collection illustrates the European and American influences on O'Sullivan's designs, as well as his innovations of the modesty-skirt and 'Superman' buckle.