Bathing suit

Cole of California

ca. 1964 · nylon, cotton, rubber · Costume Institute

In 1964, Cole of California introduced the “Scandal” bathing suit line, named for its provocative exposure of the body through panels of nylon mesh. Margit Fellegi designed the suits using a process she developed for shirring cotton on elastic thread. According to Fellegi, the innovative fabric provided the figure control and fit of a girdle. This suit from the “Scandal” collection, named the “Outrageous,” features a bra top and hipster brief joined by a black mesh insert at the midriff. The style allowed the wearer to experiment with less coverage without sacrificing support.

Artist

Cole of California

Date

ca. 1964

Medium

nylon, cotton, rubber

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Purchase, Gilles Bensimon Inc. Gift, 2013