Posts Tagged ‘Tooshie’

Fiftytwo does the Miami Swim Show

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Last week, The Fiftytwo Showroom team said goodbye to New York and Hello! Miami. The occasion- The Miami Swim Show. The MO- Bikinis. To give you a bit of a taste of our experience, I’ve put together this photo diary.


The Convention Center, a giant skeleton of a building , suddenly found itself full of pop-up shops selling every kind of bikini that you could possibly imagine. Of course, we had the coolest spot, hosting 9 brands- Adriana Degreas, Clube Bossa, Jo de Mer, Marzia Genesi Sea, Olasul, Osklen, Tooshie, Verano High. Needless to say, we were very popular. Our Amazonian models donned the itsy bitsy bikinis and caftans alike, while buyers from around the world took note.

Of course, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. We had to see what Big Willy Style meant when he said “Bienvenido a Miami.” Thankfully, we didn’t have to go very far. Our hotel, The Standard, had a pool and a vibe to rival St. Tropez. The pool had the greatest concentration of attractive people I think I’ve ever seen. All of a sudden, I understood why the Miami Swim Show is located in Miami- cuz they make bikinis look gooood.

Fortunately, we brought a bit of Miami back with us. To schedule an appointment to see the collections contact Jessica@Fiftytwoshowroom.com

Hasta Pronto:)

-Annie on behalf of everyone at Fiftytwo

 

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Happy Bikiniday!

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

The Bikini: tasteful, simple and classy, yet sexy, bold and provocative. Today marks the 66th anniversary of the two-piece bikini. While two-piece bathing suits had been worn on the beach before, the modern bikini was invented by Louis Réard in 1946. With this birthday and the launch of Fiftytwo’s Resort Beachwear market this month, what better time to take a look at the history of the swimming costume.

1940’s

Louis Réard introduces the itsie-bitsy, teenie-weenie…well you know what we’re getting at. Made from just 30 inches of fabric, he calls it the “bikini” after Bikini Atoll, the Pacific Ocean site famous for hosting the first atomic bomb test on July 1, 1945. The bikini debuts at Piscine Molitor, a popular public pool in the center of Paris worn by Showgirl Micheline Bernardini.

1950’s

Beaches across the world try to ban bikinis as do major pageants such as Miss World. Modern Girl magazine writes: “It is hardly necessary to waste words over the so-called bikini since it is inconceivable that any girl with tact and decency would ever wear such a thing.” In 1959, even Barbie still sports a one-piece.

1960’s

It was not until the 1960s that bikinis took off in the U.S. Brian Hyland’s pop song “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” comes out, surf culture enters the mainstream with Gidget and Beach Boys songs like “California Girls” and “Surfin’ Safari”.  Playboy first features a bikini on its cover in 1962 and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue debuts two years later. Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon star in Beach Party and even Gilligan sees some action.

1970’s and 80’s

The bikini’s popularity continues to soar, accounting for more than 20 percent of swimsuit sales in the US. Bikinis and swimsuits flare up in pop-culture, from the launch of Farrah Fawcett’s career to memorable movies such as Star Wars, National Lampoon’s pool scenes and Phoebe Cates’ memorable scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

1990’s

The one-piece makes a comeback due in part to some famous lifeguards as well as public awareness of skin cancer.

TODAY

The resurgence of the bikini: research shows that US sales of two-piece swimsuits jumped yet again. Below, we included some of our favorite looks being offered today by Fiftytwo’s own designers, who offer everything from bikinis, tankinis, monokinis to traditional one-pieces. Don’t forget to visit us in Miami from July 21-24 to experience these fun pieces in person!

Looks clockwise from top left: Prism, Adriana DeGreas, Osklen, Tooshie

 

 

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Meet Tooshie Designer Natascha Wittgenstein

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

In anticipation of swim market, we’d like to introduce you to the designer behind Tooshie, a swimwear line that lives up to its name, making every derriere look amazing.

What was the initial concept behind your line? Tooshie was launched with a simple goal in mind: to design swimsuits that would perfectly fit any woman’s derriere, with a timeless, elegant and comfortable feel.

What education and experience has helped shape your career? I started buying paintings and selling them at age 12. Later, I  studied at the prestigious Camondo School of design in Paris. I also worked in New York for eight years and was the studio design director at Nina Ricci, all of which were important steps before Tooshie.

What is your earliest fashion memory? My first taste for fashion, design and aesthetics came from my mother, Birgitta Af Klercker, one of the original “top models” of the 1960s.

If there was a soundtrack for your SS 11 Collection what would it be? E penso a te by Lucio Battisti.

If you had to choose, what is your favorite piece from your collection? My favorite is the Hamptons, it was born in my first collection and has now been made reversible. This season it comes in navy blue reversing to black with a gold lame edging.

If you could live in any decade, which would it be? The late 60′s, early 70′s.

Are there any historical fashion icons you refer to when you work? My mother one hundred percent.

In one word, how would you describe your label? Chic.

What has been a career highlight so far? My collaboration with APC.

What are three things you can’t live without? My daughter, my blackberry (very original) and my Smythson travel wallet.

What’s inspiring you now? The luminous, colorful works of German artist Anselm Reyle and the 1970s pop aesthetic of photographers like Bert Stern and Slim Aarons.

What is your most treasured possession? A belt that Verushka made and gave to my mother.

Of all the cities in the world, where do you find the most inspiration? I  travel a lot, every 4 days. . .  so i am constantly inspired, but one of the places that is for sure a constant inspiration is Florence, where I manufacture the entire collection.

Hamptons Reversible Bikini

Art Piece by Anselm Reyle

Photograph by Bert Stern

Photograph by Slim Aarons

 

Views of Florence, Italy

Brigitta Af Klercker

Photos by Irving Penn in US Vogue 1966

An inspiration board for the 2011 line, from Natascha Wittgenstein’s Studio

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It Takes Too: Tooshie & APC Collaborate

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Warning: reading this post may cause extreme desire for summer weather and/or unplanned bookings to tropical getaways! We hate to tease you with this sexy swimwear while it’s still a frigid 35 degrees out, but high-end swimwear brand Tooshie has partnered with French ready-to-wear brand A.P.C. for their Spring/Summer 2011 collection.  Tooshie, which was launched in 2008 by Natasha Wittgenstein, is known for its well-cut designs, glamorous styles and of course, flattering your “tooshie.” These principles, combined with the minimalist design approach of A.P.C., result in cute, classic bikinis.  The best part about this collaboration? You can shop now here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Posted in Designer Insider, Swimwear | 5 Comments »