Bikini Baby

Hard to believe that the modern bikini has only been around since 1946 when Louis Reard introduced his design on July 5, naming it after Bikini Atoll where the United States had begun atomic testing.  His implication was that it would cause as much stir as the bomb, and it did.  Reard had to commission a stripper by the name of Micheline Bernardini to model the suit as no self-respecting lady would find herself in one. 

Micheline Bernardini photo circa 1946

Over the following years it caught on in the French Riviera, however woman in the U.S. stuck to the tradtional two-piece until 1960 which was also the year that Brian Hyland had the hit song "Itsy Bitsy, Teenie Weenie, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini."  By 1967, Time magazine wrote that 65% of the young populus had been converted.  The swimsuit increased popularity by appearing in modern films and gracing covers of magazines such as the 1964 debut of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.  

Hard to believe that not so long ago our beloved bikini was considered risque and ostentatcious.  Still I find myself greatly drawn to the traditional two piece, then again it has become its own "underground" phenomena!

 Get this cutie at Dillinger Ink  and get the classic look of bathing beauties such as Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, or Elizabeth Taylor.  Esther Williams swimwear is designed fantastically and is ultra flattering to the figure!!

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