The history of the bikini as it turns 80

• The bikini, celebrating its 80th anniversary, has been a controversial yet enduring summer staple since its creation in 1946.
• French engineer Louis Réard, inspired by women adjusting their swimsuits for tanning, designed the bikini, naming it after the Bikini Atoll nuclear test site.
• The garment's debut sparked controversy due to its revealing nature, challenging post-war modesty norms.
• Brigitte Bardot and Hollywood's adoption of the bikini in the 1950s and 60s propelled its popularity, transforming it into a symbol of liberation and freedom.
• Despite facing censorship and evolving styles, the bikini remains a significant part of the fashion industry, valued at around $811 million.

IN FULL

‘Biggest discovery since the atomic bomb’: Celebrating 80 years of the bikini