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Playsuit, woman's

Object | Part of History collection

GH017437; Playsuit, woman's; 1950s; Catalina ; view 01
GH017437; Playsuit, woman's; 1950s; Catalina ; view 02
GH017437; Playsuit, woman's; 1950s; Catalina ; view 03
GH017437; Playsuit, woman's; 1950s; Catalina ; view 04
GH017437; Playsuit, woman's; 1950s; Catalina ; detail 1
GH017437; Playsuit, woman's; 1950s; Catalina ; detail 2
GH017437; Playsuit, woman's; 1950s; Catalina ; detail 3
This image has a rights statement of CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

item details

NamePlaysuit, woman's
ProductionCatalina; designer; 1950s; United States
Lane Walker Rudkin; manufacturer(s); 1950s; New Zealand
Classificationplaysuits, bathing suits
DimensionsOverall: 565mm (width), 700mm (length)
Registration NumberGH017437
Credit linePurchased 2012

Overview

The playsuit has a maker's label that proclaims 'Styled by the stars of Hollywood'. It is an example of the direct relationship between fashionable swimwear, show business and Hollywood glamour.

This suit was designed for Catalina, a swimwear manufacturer originally based in California. The company promoted its range, and took adavatage of the desire for glamour beach fashions, by establishing and sponsoring the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants.