In 1905, Australian competitive swimmer Annette Kellerman was invited to demonstrate her aquatic prowess for the British Royal Family. Her usual swimsuit, designed for speed and agility, was deemed by the royals to be too tight and short. At the time, women were expected to wear an unfortunate combination of an oversized dress with billowy woolen pantaloons. But, Kellerman refused to compromise her performance, insisting she wear her regular practice suit. After a contentious back and forth, as a small concession, she sewed black stockings into her swimsuit underneath her sporty, one-piece suit. By doing so, she inspired many women to demand a more suitable swimsuit for themselves, eventually turning this passion into a (then) cutting-edge line of women’s swimwear.
Bathing suit season is right around the corner, and Annette’s story is inspiring me to turn a typically negative experience of suit shopping into a positive one. Her resolve to wear what worked best for her, rules be darned, is heroic. Her story beautifully articulates the point that choosing to wear less can really be seen as a privilege more than a pitfall. So, even though I am not going to wear less than I possibly have to, I know I have options. Here is a group of suits sold locally that I deemed both cute and functional.
Ric Rac One Piece, Bora Bora
Versa Suit, Bora Bora
Sandbar Stripe Suit, Bora Bora
One Piece, Bra Genie
Palm Paradise, Bora BoraÂ
Belted One Piece, Bora Bora
Eres Bustier Suit, Saks Fifth Avenue
Josie One Piece, Bora Bora
Passionflower Suit, Bora BoraÂ
Sale & Event Picks:
April 17 (4-7 p.m.): Spring Open House, Eclectic HomeÂ
April 25 (10 a.m.): Online Auction, Crescent City AuctionÂ
