Michael Shanks - site 2006: The Bikini

Posted at Mar 25/2006 10:31PM:
Sebastian De Vivo: Katie, what can I say about a project full of pictures of models in bikinis?! All kidding aside, you took on a huge issue - the history of the bikini and its relationship to women's bodies (real and ideal) -- and pulled it off with flair and grace. You made your argument explicit in the first page of the project, and used the visual power of your topic to its full advantage. The project's navigation was clear, and your interviews and personal experiences/reflections especially succesful. It looks like you definitely enjoyed thinking through this project, and it shows -- great job!

An evolution of self-reflection.

The bikini has evolved from a scandalously revealing article of clothing to a socially acceptable staple of every woman's closet. Wearing a bikini in its 'early years' was a daring expression of rebellion and independence. Only Hollywood stars brought the bikini to America and made bearing the navel a desirable look. On screen, the Bond girls epitomized how a woman should feel in a bikini: strong, smart, and capable. Once it's novelty wore off, the focus shifted to the bikini itself. An explosion of different varieties arrived on the fashion scene. Form became tailored to function. High fashion designers gave the bikini their own personal signature. Distinct regional styles arose from South America and the South Pacific. The simplification of styles shifted the focus onto the body of the bikini wearer. Britney Spears, a pop diva, shaped the way women look at their bodies, placing greater emphasis on a toned stomach and influencing the way bikinis were modeled. Now, wearing a bikini is not only socially acceptable, it is expected for all young women, with the focus resting on what the bikini does not cover.

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by Katie Fogelsong