SWIMSUIT AND RESORT FASHION: A BOOK SELECTION
by Isabella Garonzi
Summer has been sweeping the Northern Hemisphere by storm, pre-announcing to surely give us an explosive, hot and sun-kissed season. And what defines summer fashion better than resort wear and bathing suits? To get you fully in the mood FonB has selected the top, scorching hot reads on swimwear and cruise collections, so start getting that margarita pitcher ready - we promise that when you're through you will hear the waves crashing.
The Swimsuit: Fashion from Poolside to Catwalk by Christine Schmidt - Berg Publishers, 2012
The Swimsuit: Fashion from Poolside to Catwalk is a thorough compendium that traces the swimsuit's history stemming from men's underwear and circus costumes to pool bloomers, skimpy bikinis and Olympian swimmer uniforms. Focusing on Australia, said to be the mother land of the swimsuit revolution and bikini bombshells, Schmidt's book pans out to European fashion and Hollywood, also concentrating on how the perception of human body has evolved throughout the decades where less has definitely become more. Sure to offer a broad and rich view on one of the world's most discussed garments, this book proves exciting and insightful for the knowledge of fashion historians, runway lovers, gender studies scholars, pop culture aficionados and sports enthusiasts.
Swimwear in Vogue since 1910 by Christina Probert - Abbeville Pr, 1981
This beautifully portrayed evolution of women's bathing suits over seven decades on the world's most popular and influential fashion magazine will have your heart remembering and your eyes glisten with wonder and curiosity. Unfortunately, this book is dated 1981, so it does not cover bathing suit portrayals and fashion beyond then, but the insight and high fashion that are shown are certainly a treat for the eyes, making it worth your time and money. Photo interpretations of the swimsuit by the greats, from Horst P. Horst to Irving Penn are showcased, proving that Vogue, was and is the epitome of class and excellence.
Splash!: A History of Swimwear by Richard Martin, Harold Koda - Rizzoli, 1990
A splashy (no pun intended!), meticulous book on the history of swimwear, Splash! is more than just a pretty cover. Inside are 20th century chronicles of the body's societal perception and consequent evolution and the cult of image obsession and care in modern age - narcissistic tales that see the swimsuit as a shining protagonist. Martin and Koda's book is indeed a social commentary, ornate of decadent pictures taken by the likes of Halmut Newton and Louise Dahl-Wolfe, among others, shimmering with the sparkling sex appeal of some of the world's most beloved pin-ups, from Rita Hayworth to Marilyn Monroe. Iconic swimsuit models are showcased, in an intoxicating immersion of beauty and vanity. A definite must read not only for fashion scholars, but also for social and gender studies alumni.
Resort Fashion: Style in Sun-Drenched Climates by Caroline Rennolds Milbank, Amy Fine Collins - Rizzoli, 2009
Forever a symbol of luxurious exclusivity, resort fashion has become a couture phenomenon that unveils every season to the dreamy onlooking eyes Dolce Vita lovers, whisking minds off to exotic locations and foam swept shores. A jet setter's favorite, resort fashion is a cocktail of all the good things in life, and proves so through its divine prints, fabrics and accessories. From Elsa Schiaparelli's palazzo pajamas, to Emilio Pucci's colorfully printed mini-dresses, to Coco Chanel sailor stripes photographed by legends such as Norman Parkinson and Henri Lartigue, this book will make one dream plan of the ideal getaway, from Saint Tropez to Palm Springs. Impossible to resist!
