For those that love summer and all the things it brings, take a moment and thank Louis and Jacques for they brought us the Bikini 65 years ago this week (July 5th to be exact)…. And let’s face it, what would summer be without the bikini?
So, with the weather looking mighty good for this weekend in New York City, grab your favorite Bikini and head to the beach to play your part in honoring the ladies that made wearing one fashionable.
__________________________________________________
FACTS:
In 1946 Louis Reard & Jacques Heim unveiled the very first two piece bikini on July 5th in Paris.
The first Bikini was marketed as “Smaller than the smallest swimsuit”.
No model would wear the new Bikini so Louis hired Micheline Bernardini, a nude dancer from Casino de Paris to fill the role.
Louis’ marketing strategy for launching The Bikini?… To have Micheline wear the string Bikini to Piscine Molitor in Paris, a local swimming complex in the heart of Paris.
Fast forward, 1962 gave us Ursula Andress in Dr. No and the rest is history.
__________________________________________________
Below are a few moments of “The Bikini”.
Micheline Bernardini in the first Bikini
Ursula Andress in Dr. No
Marilyn Monroe
Bridget Bardot
Halle Berry
Be sure to check out our Tumblr page HERE for more Bikini love.