Covered from head to toe, our great-great grandmothers were allowed to "take to the water"! The early Twenties brought some light relief with constructions called tank suits. The legs were naked but some knee-high stockings were still worn. It was such a break-through, because soon a very sensible swimming costume was developed. The lines look good even today because there was a timeless elegance about them. I love Glamour Daze, a blog about vintage fashion. Here is a short illustrated history of vintage swimwear!
Open backs appeared in fashion once the short dresses of 1925 were no longer "shocking" and another area of daring had to be developed. As we know, that is a trend that sells a lot of fashion to this very day in our "who-will-be-first-to-wear-it" culture!
The development of swimwear was the result of the new liberty women experienced. I suppose that once they had the vote, they felt free to drive cars and take part in sport! In my painting, my little belle celebrates summer at a quiet and discreet locality, another favourite pastime of the Twenties.
180 x 180mm (10 x 10)
Acrylic on Canvas Board
COPYRIGHT MARIE THERON 2010
Love this painting...I love these vintage swimsuits. The reclining figure in the background is very nicely done also!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! As a child in the fifties, I had a very serious swimsuit, I should have kept it!
ReplyDeleteIt must have been terribly liberating once the knee-high stockings were also abandoned! Just imagine entering the water and getting your stockings wet! She's beautiful Marie, well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you Maree, to think that legs were out of bounds for so many centuries. It gives me the jeebies to think about extra-long Victorian dresses being dragged through mud, dust and over floors!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have an interest in these vintage bathing suits and outfits and have combined that with your artistic talent. Very clever and a nicely done painting!
ReplyDeleteJoan
I appreciate the visit and comment, Joan!
ReplyDeleteYour ladies are very elegant and classy. Your pictures are fun and charming. Beautiful and delicate work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shelley, I also liked this particular painting!
ReplyDelete