![Bikini Fashion Through the Years From the Archive: A Style Evolution Over 75 Years [PHOTOS]](https://wwd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bikinis-through-the-years-photos.jpg?w=1000&h=563&crop=1 "Bikini Fashion Through the Years From the Archive: A Style Evolution Over 75 Years [PHOTOS]")
While the bikini has changed slightly from its origins in 1946. Over the years, designers like Rudi Gernreich, Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaultier and major swimwear labels like Anne Cole and Gottex have added creative treatments to elevate the bikini style allowing it to remain iconic.
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Rudi Gernreich Rehearsal for Fashion Group of Los Angeles Summer1968 Sportswear Collection Presentation and Runway Show
Image Credit: WWD Models rehearse on stage in swimwear looks from the Rudi Gernreich Summer 1968 Ready To Wear collection, before a fashion show for the Fashion Group of Los Angeles.
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Cole of California Beach and Beyond by Bob Mackie 1977 Swimwear Collection Debut Fashion Show
Image Credit: WWD A model on the runway in a printed string bikini at the Cole of California Beach and Beyond by Bob Mackie 1977 Swimwear Collection fashion show debut on July 6, 1976, in Los Angeles, California.
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Cruise 1987 Swimwear Collections Advance
Image Credit: WWD A model poses in a swimsuit from the Cruise 1987 collections on August 29, 1986, on the beach in Los Angeles, CA.
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Norma Kamali Licensed Swimwear Collection for Bloomingdale’s Department Stores
Image Credit: WWD A model poses in OMO by Norma Kamali 1987 40 piece swimwear collection for Bloomingdale’s Department Stores, New York.
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Gottex by Lea Gottlieb Resort 1988 Swimwear Collection Fashion Show
Image Credit: WWD Models on the runway in sheer paneled bikini style swimear from the Gottex Resort 1988 Collection Fashion Show.
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Vivienne Westwood Spring 1986 RTW
Image Credit: WWD A model wearing a three-in-one bikini swimsuit from the Vivienne Westwood spring 1986 ready to wear collection on October 30, 1985 in Paris, France.
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Chloe Spring 1986 Swimwear Collection Advance
Image Credit: WWD A model in a cropped knit top and a ribbed rolled waist bikini bottom for Chloe Spring 1986 Swimwear Collection Advance
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Anne Cole Collection 1990 Resort Swimwear Collection Fashion Show
Image Credit: WWD A model on the runway in Anne Cole of California Resort 1990 polka dot bikini and bathrobe.
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Gottex Resort 1994 RTW
Image Credit: WWD Model on the runway in a hi-cut criss-cross tie bikini at the Gottex 1994 Resort Swimwear Collection fashion show on August 10, 1994 in New York.
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Gottex Resort 1994 Swimwear
Image Credit: WWD A model poses in a bra top, hi-cut bikini on the runway of the Gottex resort 1994 swimwear collection on August 10, 1994 in New York.
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Calvin Klein Swimwear 1994, New York
Image Credit: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media A string bikini from the Calvin Klein Swimwear 1994 collection advance.
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Calvin Klein Collection Resort 1994 Ready To Wear Presentation, New York – 15 Jun 1994
Image Credit: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media Kate Moss on the runway in a crop top bikini style swimsuit from Calvin Klein Resort 1994.
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Tommy Hilfirger Swimsuit Spring 1997, New York
Image Credit: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media Model wearing a bandeau top bikini swimsuit from the Tommy Hilfiger spring 1997 ready to wear swimwear collection.
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Nautica Spring 2001 Swimwear Collection Runway Show
Image Credit: WWD A model on the runway in a tankini from the Nautica Spring 2001 Swimwear collection fashion show.
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Jean-Paul Gaultier Spring 2005 Ready to Wear Runway Show
Image Credit: WWD A model on the runway in a tatoo paneled bikini Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 2005 Ready To Wear Runway Show.
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Gottex Swimwear Spring 2005 RTW
Image Credit: Robert Mitra A model walks down the runway in a halter-bra bikini top a hipster bottom at the Spring 2005 Gottex Swimwear show in New York.
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Gottex Swimwear Spring 2005 RTW
Image Credit: Robert Mitra A model walks down the runway at the Spring 2005 Gottex Swimwear show in New York.
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L.A. SS 09
Image Credit: Giovanni Giannoni A model in a jeweled bikini at the Los Angeles Swimsuit 2009 runway shows.
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Mode City International lingerie and swimwear show, Paris, France – 09 Jul 2017
Image Credit: Dominique Maitre/WWD Model on the runway in a Triya bikini during the Mode City International lingerie and swimwear show, Paris, France on July 9, 2017.
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Miu Miu – RTW Fall 2023 – Runway – PFW
Image Credit: Giovanni Giannoni for WWD Model on the runway at Miu Miu Fall 2023 Ready To Wear Fashion Show on March 7, 2023 at the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council in Paris, France.
