Women's blue Kay Hilvert swimsuit

Maker Kay Hilvert Pty Ltd (Australian - Hungarian, 1926 - 1966)

Designer Joan Amy

Date1960s

Object number00016868

NameSwimsuit

MediumHelanca

DimensionsOverall: 0.1 kg
Clothing size: 34

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Amy

Terms

DescriptionThis royal blue one piece swimsuit was designed in the early 1960s by Joan Amy for Sydney-based manufacturer Kay Hilvert (operating 1955-1966). With a plunging 'v'-neckline and a panelled princess-line bodice shaped with inner supports and an inbuilt bra, the swimsuit has adjustable shoulder straps and a quarter skirt for modesty. The unusual square-cut back is fastened with both a zipper and an eye hook clasp. HistoryIn the 1950s and early 1960s swimsuits and sunsuits were often shaped with panelling and built-in supports to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette emphasising the bust, waistline and hips. As the 1960s progressed swimsuits became less structured and designs became more focused on comfort. New synthetic fabrics that were quick drying and stretched to hug the figure, provided a more self supporting garment than the heavier woollen suits of previous decades. One of these new fabric inventions was called Helanca. Helanca, first patented and produced in 1931, was the first 'stretch' fabric. Produced by spinning artificial silk fibres into a springy spiral and then weaving it back into knitted wool, the fabric was widely used by swimwear manufacturers around the world. SignificanceThis Australian made swimsuit is representataive of beach fashions designed by Joan Amy during the 1960s.