The invention of the modern bikini is among the most controversial events in fashion history. Designed in 1946, "the smallest bathing suit in the world" was named after the nuclear testing site Bikini Atoll. The minimal design was expected to light a sartorial fuse beneath mid '40s fashion – and indeed, everyone was shook.
Initially, the tiny two-piece was denounced by the Vatican and banned in Catholic-majority countries in western Europe and the United States. But before long, the sexual revolution of the '60s, popular songs like "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" and films such as Dr. No and One Million Years B.C. brought the midriff-baring design into the mainstream.
Despite the numerous men credited with the invention of the itsy bitsy swimsuit, it's the women of the silver screen who have made the bikini a summer staple on beaches all over the world. But not all swimsuits are created equal, and some truly unforgettable bikinis and one-pieces have been immortalised in film.
Without further ado, we present the absolute best film-famous swimsuits – and where to buy them.
Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)
Elizabeth Taylor
Eres Les Essentiels Asia Swimsuit, £265, available at Net-A-Porter
Die Another Day (2002)
Halle Berry
& Other Stories V-Cut Bikini Top, £23; Bikini Briefs, £23; both available at & Other Stories
Lolita (1962)
Sue Lyon
& Other Stories Soft Triangle Bikini Top, £17; Side Tie Bikini Briefs, £17, both available at & Other Stories
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Carrie Fisher
Beach Bunny Ireland Bikini Top, £93.28; Ireland Bikini Bottom, £85.51, both available at Revolve
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Gwyneth Paltrow
Seafolly Summer Vacay Frill Bralette Bikini, £52, available at Beach Cafe
Dr. No (1962)
Ursula Andress
Solid & Striped The Quinn Bikini Top, £60.63, available at Revolve; The Quinn Bottom, £44.71, available at Solid & Striped
The Notebook (2004)
Rachel McAdams
Reformation Betty And Mandalay Bikini, £165, available at Farfetch
One Million Years B.C. (1966)
Raquel Welch
Minimale Animale The Oasis II Suit, £169, available at Minimale Animale
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Salma Hayek
H&M Lace Push-Up Bikini Top, £14.99, available at H&M
Coffy (1973)
Pam Grier
She Made MeCrocheted Bikini Top, £90; Crocheted Bikini Briefs, £100, both available at Net-A-Porter
10 (1979)
Bo Derek
Frankie Swimwear The Crawford Bodysuit, £71.63, available at Frankie Swimwear
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Angela Bassett
Araks Quinn High Top Bikini, £280, available at Farfetch
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