Retro Swimsuits as Art

Sometimes, coming across an item so special, so truly unique and out of the ordinary, elicits a feeling that far surpasses life's ordinary highs -- finding the last sale item in your size, winning a coveted eBay auction, finding 20 bucks in an old pair of jeans, even inheriting family tchockis. Such was the case when I stumbled upon the booth for Petrie Point Designs at the most recent New York International Gift Show. Filled with framed vintage swimsuits dating as far back as the 1920s, the booth spurred an instant state of marvel and absolute lust.

Am I the only one who thinks of Bridget Fonda's patriotic number in the movie "Shag" when laying eyes on this one piece Carmel? Oh, sweet nostalgia.

Susan Petrie-Badertscher, the woman behind Petrie Point Designs, was inspired by the summers of her youth spent on the North Fork of Long Island. The swimsuits, most of which are extremely rare and difficult to find, span five decades and as expected, many-a styles. Susan scours estate sales and vintage trade shows around the country to get her hands on these pieces. Their rarity makes them true pieces of art, and as such, their prices reflect just that.

For me, it's less about the style (some are not so cute) and more about the curiosity piqued in thinking who wore it and where? Visions of yellowed black-and-white family gallery conjure up. Soft curled hair, big Hepburn-style shades and rich lipsticked pouts. Who were these people?

I can't help but be in love with these works of art even if they were never really meant to be anything more than beachwear.

These jumper-like suits of the 1920s and 30s are made of wool (thank you Lycra) and have modesty panels to cover suit bottoms. Modesty panels? Almost makes me chuckle. Seen here, Lavallette (left) and Del Mar (right).





The suits of the 1950s and 1960s embraced synthetic stretch -- woo hoo! Esther (at left) was purportedly worn by Esther Williams (love). At right, Panama City is so sweet I can hardly stand it.

For us ladies in this day and age, we'll have to be satisfied with having these special treasures on our walls and not our bods. Earth to Anthropologie, I believe you've got an untapped market here.