100 Years of Jantzen

Jantzen, the Portland based swimsuit company has been in business for over 100 years. This iconic company is credited with helping to loosen the iron grip that a puritanical Western culture had placed on a woman's relationship with the sea.

Their first bathing suit prototype was actually for men in the Portland Rowing Club and it was presented in 1913. From there they went on the develop and design suits that were worn by: Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor. Their suits have been seen at the Olympics and even Givenchy has been one of their all star designers.

Knowing how "hot" these retro swimsuits are in 2012 I did a little internet research to find some of the original Jantzen ads. I always think its fun to see what a designers original vision was for the impact their product would have on the consumer. I personally found that the old ads are a ton more fun than the newer high fashion uber chic ones.

But if you take a look at the actual design of their 2012 swimsuit line you will be surprised to see that not much has changed. Sometimes a company does get it right the first time.

Before There Was Victoria's Secret There Was Maidenform

Victoria's Secret was not always the international powerhouse so many of us have come to know and love. Below you will find a collection of underwear ads from Maidenform during the 50's and 60's.
If nothing else these models appear to be having a lot of fun!