Cactus Bikini
It's become a bit of an iconic image — a young woman wearing a cactus bikini. The photo dates back to 1940 when the Tucson Sunshine Climate Club dressed some University of Arizona coeds up in cactus apparel as a publicity stunt. Of course, it wouldn't have been called a 'bikini' back then, since that term wasn't yet coined. It was called a "cactus sun suit." The suits were made out of Saguaro and prickly pear cacti.
The photos then spread far and wide, including into Nazi newspapers, where they were offered as examples of American decadence, "a peak of utter lack of taste."
The model in the top photo is Merri Ciochetti.
Update: One more photo from the photoshoot.
The photos then spread far and wide, including into Nazi newspapers, where they were offered as examples of American decadence, "a peak of utter lack of taste."
The model in the top photo is Merri Ciochetti.
Arizona Daily Star - Feb 27, 1945
Update: One more photo from the photoshoot.
Comments
Good for wearing on a date with an octopus-man.
Posted by Virtual on 07/15/17 at 11:20 AM
Cactus would make a good material for a chastity belt.
Posted by Fritz G on 07/15/17 at 12:35 PM
Doesn't look very comfy, but it could be helpful when out with a particularly "handsy" date. Plus, anything that pissed off the Nazis is good
Posted by Brian on 07/15/17 at 09:50 PM
Not the sort of thing to wear while doing a bubble dance . . . or is it?
Posted by Phideaux on 07/15/17 at 10:16 PM
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Category: Fashion | 1940s | Arizona