Women's blue Kay Hilvert swimsuit
Maker
Kay Hilvert Pty Ltd
(Australian - Hungarian, 1926 - 1966)
Designer
Joan Amy
Date1960s
Object number00016871
NameSwimsuit
MediumHelanca
DimensionsOverall: 0.15 kg
Clothing size: 34
Clothing size: 34
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Amy
DescriptionThis royal blue one piece swimsuit has a princess-line bodice, a square neckline with a low 'v'-back with a half skirt for modesty. Designed in the early 1960s by Joan Amy for Sydney-based manufacturer Kay Hilvert (operating 1955-1966), the swimsuit's new stretch-nylon fabric Helanca offered support and shape through woven nylon bra cups and panelling.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 representative of swimwear fashions designed by Joan Amy for Kay Hilvert during the 1960s.
