... I do love them..., and according to Country Living we will be seeing vintage style swimsuits on the beach this summer..., while antique ones are being used as wall decor...
... but apparently they are hard to find says Simone from Beach Vintage who hung three framed Vintage Swimsuits in her dining room...
... and native New Yorker Susan adores them so much that she created Petrie Point Designs and beautifully frames vintage swimsuits from the 1920s to the 1960s, turning them into modern and timeless works of art (click image to check out her blog).
Watercolors by Kolene Spicher via Ballard Designs. 
And self-taught artist Larra Harris from Michigan who paints them in oil... So what do you think: wear or wall?
Sharing with Vintage Thingies Thursday.
38 comments:
Hi Maya! I've also been noticing those framed swimsuits lately...must be getting popular. I think they are cute on the wall. BTW, although I've been reading your blog daily, I haven't been able to leave a comment. For some reason, the other computer I use doesn't let me leave a comment. Must have something to do with security or something. I'll have to look into it. Also, want to let you know that I just tagged you! You can ignore, or answer if you have time.
-marie
I have seen some of those suits on other blogs...which I could remember the designer...Betsy Johnson, maybe...but anyway, I love them. Nice to see something that might cover up what should not be seen on the beach!
I just bought a retro-looking suit on Target.com! It's called the I Love Lucy tankini, and it has an adorable skirted bottom and long top that reaches the bottom, so it looks like a one-piece. Best part: it's black with tiny white polka dots! I'll be wearing it all summer. Love those framed displays. Have a wonderful day :)
Hi Maya, Thanks for tagging me. I am going with both. I have 3 pair on my wall and 1 pair in my closet. Have a great weekend. Simone x x
If I had a beach house, I would definitely frame some and put them on my wall. I love that dining room image - how creative!
Wonderful art, love it! Luanne
I think they make fun and unique pieces of art. So definitely wall!!
And I think they would be fun to wear -- so wear too!! :-)
Kelly @ DesignTies
The only place I think I could hang them is my dressing room. But they would be really fun to wear!
I think both. They're cute as wall hangings and just as cute on. :)
Great ideas of what to do with vintage swimwear!!!
I´ve never seen them displayed like this before - they look great!
Thanks so much for the mention of Petrie Point Designs on your site! How timely, I am about to add to the collection. Love your blog. xoxo
Thank you so much Maya for including my art on this post, my favorite of the 3 vintage suits I painted is the one of the Poppies, I could totally wear that one in a heartbeat, but the other 2 are cute as well...and of course all 3 paintings would make a great wall grouping :o)xoxo
I think...wall!! I think they are super cute..but not sure i'd wear them!!!
Both - love them, xv.
Wall. My mom saved my 1st bikini. It's french (only bottom) and super cute. I saved both my children's 1st swimsuits. I am planning on framing them. The vintage ones are charming but I like the one's that have personal meaning as well!! Great post!!
I like them on the wall. And such refreshing oil-based ideas! cheers, -s
Ohh these are so fun! I'd definitely want some to hang up in a beach house!!
I love the modesty of these suits. I little bit of me wish we were back in those days...
Isn't Susan's stuff great?! I love the idea of framing vintage suits. I went to a designer show house the other week...I need to "rescue" the photos from my camera for a post.
Personally, for me it would be wall, because I am not getting into a bathing suit this summer!!
Wall for sure. Never liked those pointy breasts.
I like them on the wall.....I sure could not pull off wearing one!!
Happy VTT and have a wonderful holiday weekend.
I saw framed swimsuits on n HGTV decorating show, so it must be the fad!
I USED to wear them.........
wow.. what a collection! so colourful! but i prefer to hang it on the wall instead! hehehehe
happy VTT
Those really do make a nice display. I am surprised that they are in good enough condition because usually old elastic disintegrates. and the even older ones of wool would get moth holes. If I had a choice between the real suits and the painting, I would take the painting.
I like them on the wall. What a great idea for decorating the lake house!
fabulous works of art..they certainly make a statement framed up like that :)
Oh, i would love a bit more modesty.There are some things I just do not want to see. Have a blessed day!!!
The old suits had such style and a degree of mystery. The new ones show it all!
I love the wall art..it's wonderful. Who knew that suits hanging on the wall would be considered ok..:). Happy VTT..have a safe and lovely weekend.
I've always loved the bathing suit styles of the 40s and 50s...I'd love a new retro style suit to wear and I agree a vintage one belongs on the wall. Last winter, I saw a 20s bathing suit incorporated into a 30s quilt...it was at the Museum of American Folk Art in the exhibit called "Recycling"!
What a collection! for me it will be wall!
I remember my mother-in-law had a really old one made with wool. Can you imagine how horribly uncomfortable that would be to swim in? Thankfully with today's wonderful swimwear fabrics, we can create the look and leave the discomfort behind!
Great post!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Cathy
Oh, I love the painting. If I had the money I would commission her to do a painting of one of my old suits from a photo. Wouldn't that be fun? Maybe I'll pull out my acrylics and give it a whirl. I am not really a painter, but I'm learning.
Great, great, great post, Maya!
I'm lovin' the vintage swimsuits! I think they're much more flattering than string bikinis (sadly, I can't wear one of those anymore) I'm glad these are in style. I'll have to find one.
These vintage suits are so beautifully made and elegant. I would be afraid to wear one - and they look absolutely delicious on the wall. In paintings too!!
Check out these cute vintage inspired swimsuits,
http://www.paradisecoveswimwear.com/products.asp?cat=12
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