At a recent Sotheby's auction of garments from Claudia Cardinale's wardrobe, there were three Cole of California bathing suits. If you like this brand, you should check out the LACMA digital archives as they feature quite a few designs by Cole of California created by Hollywood costume designer Margit Fellegi (the equivalent for Hollywood swimsuits of Edith Head for proper garments).
One of the most colourful pieces is this ensemble comprising a swimsuit and a matching jacket characterised by prints of fuchsia, green and yellow polka-dots on a white background, designed in 1954.
The jacket was a classic piece, a coordinating accessory designed for poolside comfort, while the swimsuit was made in a Lastex yarn that guaranteed the wearer a well-sculpted silhouette. The ensemble was showcased in the "California Design, 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way" exhibition that took place at LACMA in 2011 and retains the playfulness of California and the joy of summer holidays. Have a lovely Sunday!
Image credits for this post
Women's ensemble (jacket and swimsuit) by Margit Fellegi for Cole of California, 1954 © Margit Fellegi Estate. Reproduced with permission of The Warnaco Group, Inc. All rights reserved. For Authentic Fitness Corp., Cole of California