Terms and conditions of use
Swimsuit
(c. 1920)
- Medium
- wool, shell button
- Measurements
- 75.0 cm (centre front) 35.5 cm (waist, flat)
- Place/s of Execution
- New York, United States
- Inscription
- label, centre back neckline, woven in black and red on yellow synthetic fabric: (girl in a swimsuit) Annette / Kellermann / Two-in-One / BATHING SUIT / REG.US.PAT.OFF. / ASBURY MILLS, N.Y.
- Accession Number
- 2002.184
- Department
- International Fashion and Textiles
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 2002
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest - Gallery location
- Not on display
- About this work
-
The combination of increased leisure time in the 1920s and 30s alongside developing theories on health saw more people spending more time outdoors. One of the most significant developments occurred in swimwear. Annette Kellerman, an Australian champion swimmer, wore the men’s multi-piece stretch jumpsuit as it offered increased speed and comfort in the water. By 1920, Astbury Mills had begun producing the wool-knit maillot, a tight-fitting one-piece swimsuit with tank-style top and high-cut legs. It was marketed as the Annette Kellerman and dominated swimwear.