Two-piece bathing suit

1945–55

Not on view

The sexiness of this two-piece bathing suit with Hollywood-starlet styling is offset by the innocence of the white ruffles, which are usually seen on little girl's dresses. The bathing beauty—posing seaside and poolside—has been a perennial fantasy, made spectacular by Hollywood publicity images, aquatic shows, Esther Williams movies, and, more recently, swimwear issues of sports magazines.

Artwork Details

Overview

Title: Two-piece bathing suit
Date: 1945–55
Culture: American
Medium: synthetic fiber
Credit Line: Gift of Miriam Whitney Coletti, 1985
Object Number: 1985.364.12a, b
Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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