Exposed! The story of swimwear South Australian Maritime Museum

South Australian Maritime Museum - Exposed! The story of swimwear

Neck-to-knees, togs, budgie smugglers, bathers, maillot... over the last century swimwear, like its name, has evolved... from a functional outfit to an often provocative fashion essential.

A new exhibition at the South Australian Maritime Museum shows how past and present Australian designers and swimming stars have been central figures in the evolution of the modern swimsuit, helping to blur the boundaries between underwear and outerwear.

Exposed! The story of swimwear is an Australian National Maritime Museum travelling exhibition and draws on the museum's extensive collection of historical swimwear to explore how the modern swimsuit changed bathing into swimming and helped redefine perceptions of the body. It also showcases especially designed contemporary swimwear by top local and interstate fashion designers.

As a nation of swimmers it's not surprising Australia played, and continues to play, such a key role in swimwear innovation and design.

Australia's original mermaid Annette Kellerman challenged the status quo in the early 1900s. When women were expected to wear voluminous and restrictive swimming costumes, she championed figure-hugging silk male swimsuits for greater freedom of movement in the water.

Kellerman quickly became a vaudeville film sensation, performing aquatic feats in tanks in head-totoe woollen costumes. The exhibition includes some of Kellerman's original vaudeville costumes together with a gorgeous sequinned costume worn by Esther Williams in the 1952 musical about Kellerman's life Million Dollar Mermaid.

Over the ensuing decades the modern swimsuit underwent a dramatic transformation with Australian designers spearheading many of these developments.

While the bikini, invented by Frenchman Louis Réard, shocked the world on its debut in 1946, Australia was quick to embrace the new risqué trend - even before Britain or the US!

Looking at swimwear on a global level, Exposed! follows the design changes over 100 years from unisex one-pieces to functional sporting and fashion items... effectively mapping the gradual exposure of the body in the 20th century.

These changes in design reflected changes in perceptions of the body and erogenous zones... from structured corsetry designs in the 1940s to emphasise the bust and midriff to the 'tanga' or string bikini of the 1970s to draw attention to the upper legs and buttocks.

The exhibition pays homage to famous swimwear moments from the silver screen from Brigitte Bardot in The Girl in the Bikini to Ursula Andress' bikini showstopper in Dr No and even Borat's unforgettable mankini.

Exposed! showcases major contemporary Australian brands including Zimmermann, Seafolly, Tigerlily and Jets and traces their continued influence on the international swimwear market. Included are a series of stunning costumes in fine black wool jersey created by these designers, along with a range of especially commissioned pieces from top local brands Razak, Liza Emanuelle, Angel Wings, Alexis George and mai-loui. Designers were asked to create something modern with a traditional fabric, evoking the glamour of Australia's mermaid, Annette Kellerman.

South Australian Maritime Museum Senior Curator Lindl Lawton said "the Woollen Mermaids project has resulted in some truly inspiring and beautiful designs. It is amazing to see the original simple black woollen fabric transformed into such diverse and dramatic outfits. We are thrilled to feature designs from leading South Australian labels alongside some of Australia's best."

The response to this exhibition in Sydney was groundbreaking, with a record number of visitors. Now it's South Australia's turn to experience the revealing world of swimwear!

What: Exposed! The story of swimwear
When: Open 20 February until 9 May 2010.
Where: South Australian Maritime Museum, 126 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide
Cost: Museum Admission: Adult $8.50, Child $3.50, Concession $6.50, Family $22

This exhibition is supported by Visions of Australia, an Australian Government program supporting touring exhibitions by providing funding assistance for the development and touring of Australian cultural material across Australia.