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🇦🇹 Austria /Culture & Society

What Makes a Good Bikini? Designer Discusses Security and the Garment's Controversial History

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Designer Rosa Rendl discusses the qualities of a good bikini, emphasizing the importance of feeling secure.
  • The first bikini, introduced in 1946 by Louis Réard, caused a scandal and faced bans on many beaches in the 1950s.
  • The bikini only gained popularity in the 1960s, overcoming initial controversy and societal resistance.

Designer Rosa Rendl emphasizes that a good bikini should make the wearer feel secure, reflecting on the garment's enduring significance as the bikini celebrates its 80th anniversary. Rendl, whose label is based in Vienna, shared insights into triangle tops and body image, discussing the emotional and practical considerations when choosing swimwear, especially during hot weather.

The history of the bikini is marked by controversy. Its debut in July 1946 was nearly derailed when designer Louis Réard struggled to find a model willing to showcase his daring two-piece design. Ultimately, nude dancer Micheline Bernardini agreed to present the invention to the public. Despite the headlines it generated, the bikini's reception was far from universally positive.

In the 1950s, the bikini faced significant backlash, leading to bans on numerous beaches. It wasn't until the 1960s that the two-piece swimsuit began to gain widespread acceptance and popularity, gradually shedding its scandalous image and becoming a staple of beachwear.

One should feel secure in it.

— Rosa RendlDescribing the essential quality of a good bikini.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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