The bikini burst onto the scene in July 1946. Designed by Louis Réard, he named the ensemble after the Bikini atoll in the Pacific, famous for hosting the first atomic bomb test. The bikini - a mere 30 inches of fabric had 'split the atom'.
At first it's fair to say that the bikini design did not go down so well - it was banned across beaches in Europe, the church was outraged and even the Miss World beauty pageant was not in favour. But early adopters spoke out, the fan letters poured in and Réard had successfully achieved his Product:Fit test - there was a market for this so called indecent attire.
Then the South of France happened, where the bold Brigitte Bardot wore a bikini on the beach while attending the Cannes Film Festival in 1957. That moment changed everything. Marilyn Monroe followed suit in the States and from there on, Hollywood began featuring bikini clad women in the movies. By the late 80's sales were soaring and bikinis were getting smaller and sexier. The rest is history.
Thank you Cannes Film Festival for being an enduring fashion force.
Want to know the secret to feeling good in your swimwear? Love what you're wearing. And fall in love with your bikini, all over again.
#SwimwearWithoutCompromise
How does St Tropez retain it's appeal?
For years it has been "the place" to go, beckoning the good and the not so good. The odd person might say 'it's too packed', 'too busy', 'the prices are crazy', but it's rare to hear anyone say they don't understand why it's so popular.
I had the pleasure recently of meeting Claire Davis of 38°N Academy and Fitness Retreats. Warm and friendly, this woman radiates energy and positivity, and is instantly likeable. It is her enthusiasm and zest for life that is infectious. Midlife to be exact – that age past 40 that no one really focuses on. Until now…
AVA VERDÚ |
XS |
S |
M |
L |
UK |
6/8 |
8/10 |
12 |
14 |
USA |
2/4 |
4/6 |
8 |
10 |
EUR/DE |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
FR |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
IT |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
BUST cms |
84 (82-86) |
88 (86-90) |
92 (90-94) |
96 (94-98) |
WAIST cms |
64 (62-66) |
68 (66-70) |
72 (70-74) |
76 (74-78) |
HIP cms |
90 (88-92) |
94 (92-96) |
98 (96-100) |
102 (100-104) |
BUST: Measure around the fullest part of your chest
WAIST: Measure around the narrowest part of your waistline
HIP: Measure at the fullest part of your hips