Bathing Beauty, 1958

Photographer Gordon Parks

We’ve all heard the siren call of fashion in our lives, but oh, the lucky ones who could answer to the glam beach couture of the 1950s! Even though we love flip-flops and tank tops, sometimes we long
for the days when your nails matched your lipstick, your lipstick matched your bathing suit, and it didn’t matter if the wind whipped your hair because it was cleverly tucked in a cute cap to show off your best gold earrings.


Gordon Parks was one of the most celebrated photographers at LIFE magazine, as well as an accomplished director and author. A recipient of numerous accolades―including induction into the International Photographer Hall of Fame―he completed more than 300 assignments for LIFE. His work capturing moments in fashion and civil rights remains some of the magazine’s most evocative images. ―Kristen Shelton

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