Marilyn - the world's most famous size 14?

Marilyn Monroe was one of the most photographed women of the 20th Century. She personified beauty and glamour and that's why we named our classic - and most popular - tankini after her.  Monroe was a size 14 with a healthy body weight.  So when it came to Michelle Williams accepting the role of MM in a new feature, she had to put on a few kilos. When asked by Celebrity Health and Fitness what she appreciated about the 1950s Monroe fashion, Williams said: “I liked her kind of simplicity. She was so extraordinarily beautiful, but really quite unadorned.”  And here's an image of our "Marilyn".

Aah Spring, Sculptures and the Sea

Bondi to Tamarama coastline - has to be one of the world's most stunning outdoor art galleries.  Each year for three weeks in November, around half a million Sydneysiders and visitors get to view inspiring sculptures whilst getting a bit of fresh air and invigorating walk.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-04/sculpture-by-the-sea/3629036

A Lesson in Airbrushing

Airbrushing gets a reality check - from those as young as ten years old.

In London, pupils at Surrey Squary Primary School are taking part in body image lessons which are designed to improve confidence.  How airbrushing techniques enhances the images of celebrities and models is one thing they’re learning by looking at before and after pictures such as these of Britney Spears. 

See Michelle Clifford’s report:  http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16079902

Swimwear Trends - inspired by yesteryear

Sasha

One of our current range is Sasha featuring the flattering neckline reminiscent of the glamour of the fifties with cross-over, draped bustline and wide, soft halter. 

Retro-inspired with lots of fabric, high waists, feminine necklines, glamour cover-ups and totally gorgeous.  That's what we think about some of trends in swimwear on the international catwalks.  Check out this slide show.   http://www.stylebistro.com/Hot+Swimsuit+Trends+for+Summer+2011/articles/tUlnTHN-XJ4/Retro+Sweetheart

We used gingham in a similar way a couple of years ago with these swimsuits - we must have been ahead of the trend!

Body Image - Stories in the News

The subject keeps coming up - in mainstream press, blogs, on tv chat shows and online chat rooms.  A subject dear to our hearts - here are just some of the Body Image stories we've found interesting this week:


Positive Body Image Awards: even the Federal Government is on the bandwagon and will award. As Michelle Griffin wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald:  Bring on the Real Women photo spreads: Australia’s glossiest images can now vie for the federal Government’s Positive Body Image Awards. http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/real-magazines-to-get-tick-of-approval-20110909-1k0ij.html


Mirror, Mirror Off The Wall: A year without mirrors - why? Kjerstin Gruys has decided NOT to look into a mirror or reflection for a year.  The idea came from The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunats, about Italian nuns who lived with high regulation against vanity.  And they've been some unexpected benefits for Ms Gruys - dip into her blog and discover why: http://www.ayearwithoutmirrors.com/


Perfectly Unperfected: Healthy is the New Skinny is an outreach program to address concerns of the results of research conducted by the National Eating Disorders Association US.  Did you know:
• 91% of college women have attempted to control their weight through dieting.
• 81% of 10-year-old girls are afraid of being fat.
• 69% of girls in 5th-12th grade reported that magazine pictures influenced their idea of a perfect body shape.
• 41% of men are dissatisfied with their weight.
• 15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are male.
Find out more at: http://healthyisthenewskinny.com/

Bikinis and Beaches - Fun in Numbers

1947 - the year Paula Stafford is credited with becoming the first Australian

manufacturer of bikinis. 400 - stores sold her bikinis by 1952.

10,685 - the number of beaches in Australia, as counted by the Coastal Studies Unit of University of Sydney.  These beaches dot approximately 36,737 kilometres of coastline.

Number One – in the world for the beach with the whitest sand is Hyams’ Beach, south of Sydney.

40 – the number of solar cells in high-tech swimwear designed to charge your MP3 player and other small devises while you take in the sun.  The Solar Bikini is custom ordered and is 80 hours in the making. PS this is one for those who don't want to get their toes wet!  SolarCoterie.com.

Visit an art gallery in your swimsuit!

There's something uplifting about having art out and about.  There's something especially freeing about being able to appreciate art in your swimsuit! We find these inspiring, how about you?

Wendy Sharpe's multi-panelled mural of Australia's most famous 'mermaid' Annette Kellerman, poolside at Cook + Phillip Park in Sydney. 

Sculpture by the Sea - in Bondi on the East coast and Cottesloe on the West coast - not to be missed.