The women who dared to bare – Bikini’s rise to power

November 28, 2025 by Nadia

Nicknamed “the Australian Mermaid” for her remarkable swimming skills, Kellerman spent much of her life challenging societal norms and redefining ideals.

According to Kellerman herself, she was arrested by the police for wearing her ”indecent” outfit, although there are no official reports to confirm this. Nevertheless, it caused a scandal at the time for a woman to swim in such a manner. The incident made headlines and sparked a movement.

Kellerman’s daring swimwear choice captured the public’s attention, and soon, her one-piece suits became a popular trend.

The demand grew so much that she eventually launched her own swimwear line, and the ”Annette Kellermans,” as they came to be known, marked the first step toward the evolution of modern women’s swimwear.

The roaring ‘20s: A new wave of fashion

As the 1920s roared on, the flapper style started making waves, not just in evening wear, but at the beach too.

It all started when a group of rebels from California rose up against tradition. Known as the ”skirts be hanged girls,” their revolutionary goal was simple: swimsuits that women could actually swim in. Continue reading…