Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Women's floral print Tempo swimsuit
Women's floral print Tempo swimsuit

Women's floral print Tempo swimsuit

Maker
Date1950s
Object number00001766
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 730 mm
Clothing size: 36
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis floral print swimsuit in faille cotton was made by Tempo Beach and Sportswear in the 1950s. Lined with cotton stockinette and heavily panelled, the swimsuit features a shirred back, half skirt and thick shoulder straps that fasten at the front with plastic buttons. HistoryIn the 1950s the swimsuit became a garment for opulent display. Exaggerated angles and curves were created with panelling and built in supports to create a curvaceous, ultra-feminine silhouette that emphasised the bust, waistline and hips. Swimwear designers drew on engineering and corsetry technology incorporating internal wiring, padding and elastic panels to achieve a sculptured cantilevered bust over a pinched-in 'wasp' waist. This voluptuous look was championed by film sirens Brigitte Bardot, Jayne Mansfield, Jane Russell, Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe. SignificanceThis swimsuit is representative of women's beachwear fashions in Australia in the 1950s.