Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Yankee Doodle!




Traditionally the pre-Revolutionary War song was sung by British military officers to mock the disheveled, and disorganized colonial "Yankees". The term "doodle" meant simpleton and the
verse implied a group so unsophisticated that sticking a feather in a cap, would replace the stylish macaroni wig and elevate them to the height of fashion.

Contrarily, this charming and patriotic ad, illustrated by Pete Hawley, proclaimed a new American custom. "Look wonderful, feel wonderful, do wonderful things in a Jantzen foundation...with the famous Jantzen swimsuit allure...with freedom."

Mademoiselle Magazine, February, 1942

Monday, June 4, 2012

The Queen and the Diving Girl



A young Queen, her consort, the Duke of Edinburgh and children, Prince Charles and Princess Ann, are seen here in an informal setting as the Empire’s epitome of family life. This 1953 photo appeared on the cover of The Diving Girl, the company newsletter of Jantzen (Australia) Ltd., in New South Wales.

In 1958, inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the United States, Jantzen produced a line of swimsuits called “London Town”. Flocked pin stripe knits and chalk stripe Helanca saluted the art of fine English tailoring and transformed the town suits of Savile Row into tailored swimwear silhouettes with smoky, pearl buttons and names like “the Diplomat” and “Fleet Street”.

Britain's national anthem says it perfectly, "God Save the Queen".

Saturday, March 17, 2012

St. Patricks Day!



Shamrocks and green ribbons were worn as early as the 17th century to symbolize St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and a religious feast day. Today it is a secular holiday and the most recognized saint's day in the world.

This beautiful floral jacquard, reminiscent of shamrocks, was produced in 1961. It is a bi-color knit called "Flower Song". The matching cardigan was meant for "after dive" activities, an innovative concept of a new ad campaign.

"Just Wear a Smile and a Jantzen" and "Top O' the Morning" to you. Let's celebrate!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Be My Valentine

Fluid, lively, sense of humor and spontaneous are all attributes of love.

They also perfectly describe the whimsical art of Earl Oliver Hurst. His

superlative line and swift moving brush are fueled by vitality, the essence

of amour. What could be more appealing than a romance inducing Jantzen

with ruffled trim? The “clinging vine” suit and Hurst are perfect mating for

a timeless love story.

Mademoiselle Magazine, July, 1945