The saga of the bikini, a revolutionary swimsuit
The little story
It is a French engineer, Louis Réard who in 1946, unveils to the world his invention: the very first swimsuit two pieces. A small revolution for the time when showing your navel is still taboo. Unable to find a model who agrees to wear it for the parade, Louis Réard hires a naked dancer from the Casino de Paris, Micheline Bernardini.
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| © SIPA LOUIS REARD |
Why this name?
Bikini it's the name of a beautiful atoll in the Pacific Ocean. But in 1946, he is in the news for another reason: it is the site of the first US nuclear test.
Louis Réard bounces on this news and decides to baptize the same name his little bombshell. A touch of humor that will not be appreciated.
The evolution of the bikini - the flop ...
Initially the women did not dare to wear it, it was far too small and provocative. It was even banned on Italian beaches, Portuguese and Spanish until the 70s.
... to the consecration
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| Lycra (R) ANDRES SARDA |
Presented to the "world" in 1946, the Bikini will only meet his audience in the 1960s.
It's the movie stars who will dare to reveal their belly button first! In 1957, Jayne Mansfield poses first in Life magazine in the same year, Brigitte Bardot appeared in Bikini in And God created the woman. Follow Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth or the unforgettable James Bond girl: Ursula Andress.
Technically, it is at the same time that the revolution is taking place: the appearance of the new polyamide and Lycra (R) fabric makes it possible to gain lightness and comfort. The swimsuit weighs only 175 grams when wet against 3.6 kilos in the 30s!
Then in the 70s, the outfits of the athletes of the Olympic Games in Munich, influence the creators: the swimwear "second skin" make their appearance.
Since the 1980s, the Bikini is accessorized and declined in all subjects. The brands present a variety of cuts and shapes to meet all the expectations of women: comfortable for the sport, well cut to put in value their bodies ...
Today, the bikini is the undisputed star of the beaches, worn by two thirds of the French, he necessarily finds his mini place in your summer suitcase. So, it's up to you!
