The Splash! exhibition chronicles a century of swimwear evolution, highlighting the bikini’s controversial origins and its connection to the atomic age. Featuring innovative swim technology and the rise of inclusive designs, it illustrates trends from mermaiding to modern swimwear culture. Fashion historian insights and historical contexts enrich our understanding of this dynamic relationship with water and fabrics.
The inaugural bikini debuted just after the first atomic bomb test in 1946, designed by Louis Réard to reflect both the garment’s small size and the bomb’s explosive nature. This two-piece swimsuit, initially controversial, was formed of pink fabric and deemed less shocking by today’s standards. Fashion historian Amber Butchart notes that swimwear began a shrinkage trend paralleling societal changes of the atomic age.
Two months prior, Jacques Heim revealed his own version named the Atome, seeking to claim the title of the world’s smallest bikini. Competitively, Réard advertised his design using skywriters, aiming to outdo Heim’s marketing. The bikini stirred backlash from the Catholic Church while delighting male admirers, marking a significant shift in swimwear design.
The Splash! exhibition traces a century of our connection to water, presenting various themes from fashion to architecture and swimming culture. It includes British lido history, controversies around performance swimwear, and quirky trends like the rise of the Dryrobe as casual wear. It juxtaposes the bikini’s debut with images of atomic tourism and poolside glamour against a backdrop of nuclear tests.
Men’s swimwear soon echoed this trend, particularly among gay men, even as homosexuality remained illegal. Furtive publications advertised revealing swimwear, often blending fitness with adult themes, further highlighting changing societal attitudes.
The exhibition also explores advanced swimwear technology, most notably the LZR Racer swimsuit from the 2008 Olympics, which shattered records but provoked controversy and was banned for being deemed overly innovative. Such milestones reflect the evolution of swimming attire, from traditional woollen suits to contemporary unisex designs.
Modern initiatives, such as inclusive swimwear lines by companies like Beefcake, emphasise accessibility. Other designs cater to specific needs, including trans-friendly options and menstruation awareness. The exhibition also showcases the iconic red Baywatch swimsuit and recent upgrades to heritage swimming locations.
Goggles’ evolution and trends like wearing pool slides with socks illustrate swimwear’s fashion journey. The exhibition features Tom Daley and discusses the resurgence of Speedos in social settings, tracing changing norms around swim attire. Mermaiding, popularised by recent media, represents a unique cultural movement, emphasising the physical challenges and community aspects of the phenomenon.
The Splash! exhibition serves as a vibrant exploration of swimming and swimwear over a century. It connects the historical evolution of swim attire with societal changes, from the provocative origins of the bikini to contemporary inclusivity in design. Highlighting technical advancements and popular trends, the exhibition showcases how swimming culture has transformed and continues to evolve, engaging new generations with both creativity and awareness.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com