bathing robe & beach suit

Bijou

Summary

Bright turquoise cotton towelling printed with large scallop shell and scroll design in bright yellow, outlined in lime green; scoop-necked sleeveless mini-length robe with front centre front fastening "OPTI" zip from neck to hem; no waist shaping; neckline and hem trimmed turquoise cotton fringe; 3cm wide self-fabric tie belt with fringed ends; size 12.

Display Label

People have worn distinctive clothing for promenading at the seaside and on the beach since the middle of the nineteenth century, when the seaside holiday first became popular among the burgeoning middle classes. (see fashion plate below) During that time, beachwear followed fashionable lines but differed significantly from ordinary clothing in both materials and cut, usually being looser and more casual, resembling walking outfits or even clothing worn for a sport like croquet. During the 1920s when sun bathing and beach holidays abroad first became fashionable, women wore stylish beach suits or pyjamas, comprising short bolero tops with long flared trousers, and often very boldly trimmed with contrasting braid or ribbon. Today, people still wear clothes for the beach that they would never think of wearing in cities, often in flamboyant colours and patterns, and including short skirts, clingy sarongs, and eye-catching hats and sunglasses. This bright turquoise and green beach robe follows the 1960s fashion for short skirts but its fabric, colour and decoration set it clearly apart from everyday sixties styles. Made of cotton towelling to absorb moisture from bathing, and printed with a large-scale garish scallop pattern, this garment is fun and funky leisurewear.