Women's Kay Hilvert swimsuit
Maker
Kay Hilvert Pty Ltd
(Australian - Hungarian, 1926 - 1966)
Date1950s
Object number00028076
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton, elastic, plastic
DimensionsOverall: 760 x 360 x 10 mm, 0.2 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis tulip print cotton one piece swimsuit was designed by Joan Amy in the 1950s for Sydney-based manufacturer Kay Hilvert (operating 1955-1966). The design features a fixed wrap-around sarong-style skirt with a loosely ruched bodice and machine-shirred back. Fully lined at the front, the swimsuit's shoulder straps cross over and fasten at the back with white plastic buttons.HistoryFrom the late 1940s cotton swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped and textured with shirring, smocking and contrasting panels. This created a curvaceous and ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips.SignificanceThis swimsuit is a representative example of the cotton swimsuits shaped with rouching and shirring made for women and children in Australia in the 1950s.
