Page 35 - Demo

33I%u2019m not one to make light of childhood trauma; for many, the sight of a dad or uncle emerging from the surf with a testicle hanging out the side of their togs is something that simply can%u2019t be unseen. The early days of bathing costumes in Australia were marked by uncomfortable woollen garments that covered as much flesh as possible. However, this all changed when Frenchman Louis R%u00e9ard designed the %u2018bikini%u2019, the world%u2019s first two-piece swimsuit for women, in 1946. The world%u2019s smallest bathing suit changed our beaches forever, made waxing a national pastime and inspired one of the most annoying songs of all time %u2013 %u2018Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini%u2019.A slightly smaller swimwear revolution occurred at home in 1961 when the iconic Speedo men%u2019s brief was released. Designed by Sydneyborn Peter Travis, who grew up in beachside Manly, the Speedo marked a departure from traditional swimwear. After a stint designing radios and TVs for Philips and creating mix-andmatch design ensembles for women, Travis landed a job at Speedo in 1960. Tasked with creating a series of leisurewear items, he also set his mind to designing a pair of bathers that were comfortable. Rather than being high waisted, as was the trend at the time, he cut them low to the hip and high to the thigh, creating an iconic look that left modesty in the sand.Predictably, their launch caused outrage. Men%u00a0on Bondi Beach were arrested and charged with indecent exposure, though the charges were soon dropped when it became clear the gentlemen in question hadn%u2019t been parading any pubic hair.Once the police calmed down, these nylon togs became hugely popular among professional swimmers and dads who eschewed modesty alike. Worldwide sales beckoned, and Speedo became the generic name for any brief men%u2019s swimming trunks. Being an Australian icon, the Speedo soon earned nicknames, with %u2018budgie smugglers%u2019 and %u2018dick stickers%u2019 making their way into our lexicon, sparking endless debates about where it%u2019s appropriate to wear them, which continue to this day.In the mid-1960s, Peter Travis moved away from industrial design and embraced ceramics, with his work becoming highly sought after and featured in major galleries across the country. He was also known as a kite maker, and he designed the colour palette for Australia%u2019s new Parliament House. He died in 2016, leaving behind a significant legacy.YEAR 1961DESIGNER Peter Travis MANUFACTURER SpeedoBeing an Australian icon, the Speedo soon earned nicknames, with %u2018budgie smugglers%u2019 and %u2018dick stickers%u2019 making their way into our lexicon.