Tigerlily 'Swarovski Crystal' bikini

Maker Tigerlily (Australian)

Date2009

Object numberV00046125

NameBikini

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

DimensionsClothing size: 10

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tigerlily

Terms

DescriptionEmerging Australian swimwear label Tigerlily produced this 'Swarovski Crystal’ bikini for the ANMM's 2009 exhibition Exposed! The history of swimwear. Featuring silver and white Swarovski crystals on a white fabric, the string bikini is a copy of the famous $2000,000 'Diamond' bikini produced by Tigerlily for their 2001 collection. Famously modelled by Australian Kristy Hinze with a diamond python draped around her neck, the bikini was the hit of Australian Fashion Week.HistoryTigerlily was founded in 2000 by Jodhi Meares, who wanted to create a brand that represented beauty, strength, individuality and confidence. Unique textiles, the fusion of fashion and classic themes, the continuous quest for the perfect bikini are the elements that have established Tigerlily as a leader in premium swimwear and fashion. 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 bold, vibrant colours and energetic prints, Tigerlily designs add a contemporary perspective to Australian swimwear.