Although instantly becoming an international rage it was not until the 1960’s that the bikini took off in the U.S. Only starting to warm up to it shortly after fashion martyr and French film star Brigitte Bardough, wore one in the 1957 movie ‘And God Created Woman.’ Adding further fuel to the fire, singer/ songwriter Brian Hyland’s 1960 pop song, Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, prompted a global warming to the bathing suit that has lasted forever after.
In 1964, Sports Illustrated launched its first bikini cover. Forty-nine years later the Swimsuit Edition is SI’s best-selling issue year after year.
A significant number of swimsuit edition cover models have gone on to greater fame and fortune, including Christie Brinkley, Kathy Ireland, Heidi Klume, Tyra Banks, Kate Upton and even Beyonce. Her issue being the first cover that did not feature a model or athlete.
The bikini has since been stretched and shrunk over time and has gone from traditional to thong to string to mono and to micro.
To learn more about the bikini check out FIB’s short feature film above.
Written By Paul G Roberts
Film by Thomas Parkinson