Back to WOOORK! 4-11-11

Hi Everyone!

It’s Monday.  Again. 

But don’t let the M-word get you down! 

Today’s back to wooork is brought to you by our dear friend, Esther Williams.  In her heyday, this she lived in her bathing suit.  Don’t hate!!  This gal worked hard for the money!!  Making “aquamusicals” was her bread & butter.  Miss Williams spent so much time "dancing" in the pool that she became a co-designer and fit model for Jantzen.  They developed and tested out a new fabric called Lycra, and created swimsuits for her films.  With Esther's input, they contributed to the revolution of womens mass-market swimwear in the 20th century. 

Before Esther Williams, girls swimsuits fastened closed with a metal zipper...and did I mentioned they were knitted out of wool?  Yeah.  Gross.  We have a lot to thank her for.

….imagine if a bikini was your uniform?! 

Now get back to WOOOORK!

 -Kathleen, In Oakland

It May Be Cold Outside...

            ... but these vintage illustrations are broiling hot!  In the first episode of the 4th season of "Mad Men" featured Jantzen coming to get some ad magic from Little Donnie Draper.  But as we all know they passed on his work and returned to they're old stand by campaigns.  With illustrations like these why WOULDN'T you!?  Which reminds me I am no where near ready for 2 piece Resort Wear!

 

 

Here is some actual Jantzen ads from the late 50s. 

Thanks to Tom and Lorenzo for finding and posting them.

 Philip - Brooklyn