@masterraalkivictorieux Master Ra’al Ki Victorieux
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International Bikini Day
International Bikini Day, celebrated on July 5, honors the creation and cultural impact of the bikini, a garment that has become a symbol of summer fun, joy, and freedom. This special day encourages us to embrace the warmth of the season, celebrate body positivity, and indulge in beachwear fashion. It’s an occasion to share your favorite bikini looks, explore fascinating bikini histories, curate a bikini playlist, and reflect on the evolution of this iconic swimwear and its profound influence on culture and body image.
The first bikinis
1932
The modern two-piece swimsuit was born in 1932 (conceived by Jacques Heim), the garment was ahead of its time.
1946
French engineer Louis Réard revolutionized fashion and society in the 20th century. On July 5, 1946, Réard presented a Monte Carlo showgirt, he dancer Micheline Bernardini, with a itsy-bitsy string bikini made of newspaper-like fabric. Réard chose the name ‘Bikini’ in honor of Bikini Atoll, the site where nuclear tests were carried out, because he wanted to cause an ‘explosion’ in the fashion world.
Although he was an automobile engineer, he managed his mother’s lingerie business. It was thanks to this that she realized that women were always asking for more practical and comfortable swimwear that would allow them to sunbathe more effectively.
The bikini was banned in many countries and was considered ‘inappropriate’. It would take another 10 years and then some before the bikini was accepted. But little by little, bikinis were gaining ground thanks to actresses, models, designers, photographers and more professionals in the fashion industry.
Bikini in Performance Art
In her thought-provoking performance art piece titled “Passion for Mexico,” Iris Mexico uses the bikini as a powerful symbol of freedom and cultural expression. Surrounded by four women clad in hand-painted ponchos and military camouflage pants, she boldly speaks for the freedom to use national symbols in art. This striking visual juxtaposition highlights the interplay between femininity and traditional Mexican heritage, allowing Iris to make a compelling statement about the liberation of cultural symbols from restrictive interpretations. By merging the vibrant colors of her attire with the raw, earthy tones of the camouflage, she crafts a narrative that celebrates both identity and autonomy, encouraging the audience to embrace and redefine what it means to be authentically Mexican in contemporary art.
In an enchanting and thought-provoking performance titled “Bodhisattva Vamp,” Iris Atma Ra takes the audience on a surreal journey to the other world, guided by a loyal canine companion. As she brandishes a sword, poised for both protection and empowerment, she faces a whimsical cast of characters, including a crab, a wolf, and a wild-eyed man, all circling her in a vivid dance of chaos and adventure. Dressed in a pale pink bikini adorned with delicate black laces, Iris embodies both strength and grace, reciting the bodhisattva vow as a powerful mantra of compassion and connection. Through this captivating performance, she explores the interplay between courage, vulnerability, and the quest for enlightenment, inviting the audience to reflect on their own journeys toward understanding and growth.
In her captivating performance “Fucking Verbs,” Queen June Iris Goldstar masterfully intertwines spoken word with striking self-portraits of herself in a bikini, set against the intimate backdrop of a bathroom. This evocative journey of introspection, recapitulation, and liberation invites the audience to explore the complexities of existence and the beauty of self-acceptance. Through her powerful words, she urges listeners to embrace laughter, take bold actions, and pursue their dreams, encouraging them to persevere even amid life’s hardships. Goldstar’s poignant reflections and vibrant imagery create a profound tapestry of resilience, reminding us that the path to freedom often lies in our ability to confront our vulnerabilities and celebrate our authentic selves.
In her captivating performance “L’Amour et Bearbie Queen,” Drag Queen June Iris Goldstar takes the stage with a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and sexual rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Through dazzling costumes and dynamic choreography, she embodies the essence of love and acceptance, amplifying the voices of those who have often been marginalized. With a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, Goldstar ignites a powerful dialogue around identity, sexuality, and the importance of embracing one’s authentic self. Her performance serves as a tribute to the diverse spectrum of love, encouraging audiences to celebrate their uniqueness and stand together in support of equality and justice for all.
Samadhi Iris captivates audiences with her stunning performance “Atma Zafiro,” where she intertwines the beauty of spoken word and the serenity of the ocean. In this evocative piece, she recites a spiritual poem that delves into themes of self-discovery and inner peace, all while the vibrant images of the sea dance on the screen behind her. Dressed in a bikini, Samadhi embodies freedom and confidence, harmonizing her presence with the natural beauty of the beach. The juxtaposition of her graceful figure against the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves and words invites the audience to reflect on their own journeys towards self-acceptance and enlightenment, making “Atma Zafiro” a profound celebration of femininity and spirituality.
Bikini history
Over the years, the bikini has evolved, in terms of style and design. It has reflected changes in fashion trends and social attitudes.
70’s
Throughout the decades, iconic women have redefined swimwear styles, showcasing brightly colored bikini sets, vibrant triangle bikini tops, and cheeky bottoms that embody both fun and practicality. Brigitte Bardot, with her effortless allure, popularized daring cuts and attention-grabbing hues, making a bold statement about femininity and freedom. Farrah Fawcett, known for her stunning hair and infectious smile, helped elevate the bikini to a symbol of glamour, while Jane Birkin’s blunt-cut bangs and effortless style turned shorts and miniskirts into fashion staples. Grace Kelly and Diana Ross brought their timeless elegance to the beach, exuding sophistication even in the sun, and Romy Schneider dazzled audiences in her two-piece suit in the 1969 film La Piscine (The Swimming Pool), blending sensuality with style. Similarly, Audrey Hepburn was a beacon of chicness, inspiring countless women to embrace swimwear as a canvas of self-expression. These icons taught us that swimwear should be vibrant, daring, and above all, a celebration of individuality.
60’s
In the vibrant world of 1960s fashion, the bikini shed its taboo associations, embodying a newfound sense of freedom and femininity. The iconic figure of Ursula Andress, as the first Bond Girl in 1962, played a pivotal role in this transformation, showcasing the power and allure of the bikini on screen. String bikinis adorned with Emilio Pucci’s psychedelic swirls became emblematic of the era, capturing the playful spirit of the time. Models like the otherworldly German-born Veruschka and the glamorous Marisa Berenson embraced these daring styles, epitomizing a sense of liberation that celebrated women’s bodies. This era marked a revolution, where women were free to express themselves in fabulous metallic bikinis, reveling in their confidence and individuality.
40’s and 50’s
One of the most revolutionary fashion figures of the 1940s and 1950s was Marilyn Monroe. She became a bikini icon. In fact, she continues to be a fashion inspiration today. Brigitte Bardot was also crowned the queen of swimwear. In 1953, Bardot caused a worldwide ‘scandal’ with the film ‘The Girl in the Bikini’, where the young woman played Manina. The recording of this film was considered an act of indecent exhibitionism.
1907
A first revolutionary invention came from swimmer Annette Kellerman, when she used a one-piece swimsuit, although it had no sleeves or legs. Kellerman discovered the freedom of men’s cotton swimsuits during her endurance swims across the English Channel and down the Seine, Thames and Danube Rivers. It is said that the Prince of Wales (later King George V) was to attend one of Kellerman’s aquatic vaudeville performances in England. She had intended to wear her usual men’s cotton bathing suit with bare thighs for her underwater routine. When told this was unacceptable for a royal audience, she improvised and wore tightly gartered long black stockings sewn into her swimsuit, creating a new svelte, but still modest, one-piece look.
There is a popular myth that Kellerman was arrested at Boston’s Revere Beach for wearing a one-piece bathing suit however this isn’t supported by any evidence.
It is hard to imagine now, but there was a ban on daylight swimming on Sydney’s beaches until 1902. Kellerman did much to popularise swimming and the aquatic arts for women, including writing a book called How to Swim in 1918.
19th century
It is not surprising that women asked for a much more comfortable suit. At the end of the 19th century, the swimsuits worn were two-piece, but covered up to the wrists and ankles. When the women got into the water, the fabric of the suit was completely stuck to their bodies and made it very uncomfortable.
Keep on reading
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- The Victory of the Sphinx, Art by Iris Atma
- Art Manifesto
- March 8, for the female voice, the art of Ra’al Ki Victorieux
- Art and National Symbols. The Mexican Flag and Anthem
- Unconditional Inclusion Artistic Projects
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