But they came to a hard stop around the dawn of the 21st century. Then they started to be airbrushed out, often blatantly so. Some of the more egregious examples:
Showing posts with label Cheryl Tiegs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cheryl Tiegs. Show all posts
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Nippled and Dimed
But they came to a hard stop around the dawn of the 21st century. Then they started to be airbrushed out, often blatantly so. Some of the more egregious examples:
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Once-Piece Wednesday: The 1977 Swimsuit Issue
Way back on the first One-Piece Wednesday, I mentioned the all-bikini 1997 issue and asserted that it was “an honor that will never be bestowed on one-piecers.”
I was wrong. It happened twenty years earlier.
I was virtually flipping through some old swimsuit issues online when I noticed something about 1977. Every suit in the magazine, including the cover, was a one-piecer. (Click on the “VIEW THIS ISSUE” link, and you’ll get a nifty interactive window.)
At first, I figured that it was a coincidence, made possible by the more modest attitude and shorter pictorials of earlier swimsuit issues.
But then I read Jule Campbell’s introduction, under the headline “Tank Heaven for Not So Little Girls.”
Annette Kellerman would love it. Tank suits—or racing suits, one-piece suits, maillots—are back. Not that they ever were away; it's just that this year they're what everyone, not only the Enders and Babashoffs, will be wearing. But Annette wouldn't recognize them. Even the new Speedo (above, $27) is super snug and snazzy.
This was only the 14th swimsuit issue, back when the magazine had a lot more “fashion” commentary.
(Annette Kellerman, by the way, was arrested in 1907 for wearing a one-piecer in public—scandalous at the time. A year later, she was named the Perfect Woman by Harvard because of her Venus de Milo body. Thanks, Wikipedia!)
Cheryl Tiegs, in her sixth swimsuit issue, and despite appearing on the cover two years earlier, only appears in one photo:
…which is slipped in under a couple photos of cover girl Lena Kansbod.
There are four shots each of Lena and the refreshingly named Barbara Minty:
Barbara (in that last pic, anyway) bears a striking resemblance to 2011 SI model contestant Tamiris Freitas.
An entire issue dedicated to one-piecers. Who knew?
I feel confident we’ll never see the likes of it again. One-piecers are the giant pandas of the swimsuit issue. You’re just as likely to see models not wearing suits at all.
But something warms my heart to know that three beautiful, sheathed models graced SI’s pages 35 years ago.
I was wrong. It happened twenty years earlier.
I was virtually flipping through some old swimsuit issues online when I noticed something about 1977. Every suit in the magazine, including the cover, was a one-piecer. (Click on the “VIEW THIS ISSUE” link, and you’ll get a nifty interactive window.)
At first, I figured that it was a coincidence, made possible by the more modest attitude and shorter pictorials of earlier swimsuit issues.But then I read Jule Campbell’s introduction, under the headline “Tank Heaven for Not So Little Girls.”
Annette Kellerman would love it. Tank suits—or racing suits, one-piece suits, maillots—are back. Not that they ever were away; it's just that this year they're what everyone, not only the Enders and Babashoffs, will be wearing. But Annette wouldn't recognize them. Even the new Speedo (above, $27) is super snug and snazzy.This was only the 14th swimsuit issue, back when the magazine had a lot more “fashion” commentary.
(Annette Kellerman, by the way, was arrested in 1907 for wearing a one-piecer in public—scandalous at the time. A year later, she was named the Perfect Woman by Harvard because of her Venus de Milo body. Thanks, Wikipedia!)
Cheryl Tiegs, in her sixth swimsuit issue, and despite appearing on the cover two years earlier, only appears in one photo:
…which is slipped in under a couple photos of cover girl Lena Kansbod.
There are four shots each of Lena and the refreshingly named Barbara Minty:
Barbara (in that last pic, anyway) bears a striking resemblance to 2011 SI model contestant Tamiris Freitas.
An entire issue dedicated to one-piecers. Who knew?I feel confident we’ll never see the likes of it again. One-piecers are the giant pandas of the swimsuit issue. You’re just as likely to see models not wearing suits at all.
But something warms my heart to know that three beautiful, sheathed models graced SI’s pages 35 years ago.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Happy Birthday, Cheryl and Jessica
Two great birthdays today.
SI's first supermodel, Cheryl Tiegs, is 64.
And a current one, Jessica Gomes, is 26.
I still love Jessica, even if I haven’t solved the mystery of what happened to her bikini top in the years since her first appearance in 2008.
But they both rock a white, translucent fishnet one-piece. So happy birthday, girls.
SI's first supermodel, Cheryl Tiegs, is 64.
And a current one, Jessica Gomes, is 26.
I still love Jessica, even if I haven’t solved the mystery of what happened to her bikini top in the years since her first appearance in 2008.
But they both rock a white, translucent fishnet one-piece. So happy birthday, girls.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Marisa of Disguise
There exists a series of photos of Marisa Miller recreating shots of prominent models throughout the swimsuit issue’s history. I am ashamed to say that I’m not sure of the story behind them.
I got it into my head that they were released in 2004 as part of the 40th anniversary issue. (The SI.com gallery of Marisa seems to support that.) But I have the 2004 issue, and these photos of Marisa don’t appear in it.
I have seen some video footage of Marisa’s shoot, but I can’t seem to find it online anymore.
The confusion is compounded by the fact that a lot of the original photos on SI.com seem to be labeled as if part of the 50th anniversary. (For example, the files of Cheryl’s and Heidi’s are labeled 50th_ctiegs_01.jpg and 50th_hklum_01.jpg, respectively.) But the 50th anniversary won’t happen for a few more years.
Nevertheless, the shots are fascinating. With Marisa recreating, as accurately as possible, the swimsuit shots of models from previous decades, she creates the sensation of two women in the same bikini, a superconcentrated supermodel.
Marisa as Cheryl Tiegs (1978)
Marisa has more curves up top, and fewer down below, than Cheryl did. But I’m impressed that they were willing to show the fishnet in all (or most) of its translucent glory.
Marisa as Christie Brinkley (1981)
Frankly, I think there are better photos of Christie, but it’s hard to argue with that expanse of silky skin (X2).
Marisa as Paulina Porizkova (1985)
Again, Marisa’s “modern” breast size interferes with the accuracy of this one, but a pretty beautiful setup.
Marisa as Kathy Ireland (1986)
This one might be the best. Done up like this, even Marisa’s face looks like Kathy’s. If I didn’t know this was an impostor, I might not have even suspected.
Marisa as Elle Macpherson (1990)
I miss the sheen on Elle’s midriff. Pretty gorgeous, though.
Marisa as Stacey Williams (1993)
I’m thrilled that they did Stacey. Sadly, this was the one I had the hardest time finding a pic of online. The Marisa shot seems to be from a print magazine, but which print magazine?
Marisa as Daniela Pestova (1995)
They went a little too severe on the hair, but otherwise a very convincing simulacrum.
Marisa as Tyra Banks (1997)
This could have been touchy, but they played it well. Just dye Marisa’s hair black, don’t worry about the skin tone. Also, Marisa’s boob-to-hip ratio seems to be best suited for reproducing Tyra.
Marisa as Sarah O’Hare (1999)
Interesting. Sarah O’Hare is the least “household” of the names on this list, and she only did two issues. But I think this one is more about the sand-kini than the girl wearing it.
Marisa as Heidi Klum (2000)
Wow. The snake shot? Well, if you’re lucky enough to find two non-ophidiophobic swimsuit models within a five-year period, you have to go for it.
Marisa was the perfect model to do this. She had done a lot to reinvigorate the idea of the SI girl as a well-known object of worship. (Heidi Klum filled that position beautifully, but she’d been out of regular circulation for a couple years by 2004. She returned for some 1940s bodypainting for 2006 and a weird Will Ferrell movie tie-in for 2008.)
But even more importantly, she functioned well as a blank slate onto which the prominent beauties of years past could be projected.
(Though I have to admit, as Marisa Miller Week draws to a close, I have a new appreciation for her. She’s not as “cookie-cutter” or generic as I thought; those eyebrows and that smirk and those warm eyes do set her apart.)
I got it into my head that they were released in 2004 as part of the 40th anniversary issue. (The SI.com gallery of Marisa seems to support that.) But I have the 2004 issue, and these photos of Marisa don’t appear in it.
I have seen some video footage of Marisa’s shoot, but I can’t seem to find it online anymore.
The confusion is compounded by the fact that a lot of the original photos on SI.com seem to be labeled as if part of the 50th anniversary. (For example, the files of Cheryl’s and Heidi’s are labeled 50th_ctiegs_01.jpg and 50th_hklum_01.jpg, respectively.) But the 50th anniversary won’t happen for a few more years.
Nevertheless, the shots are fascinating. With Marisa recreating, as accurately as possible, the swimsuit shots of models from previous decades, she creates the sensation of two women in the same bikini, a superconcentrated supermodel.
Marisa as Cheryl Tiegs (1978)
Marisa has more curves up top, and fewer down below, than Cheryl did. But I’m impressed that they were willing to show the fishnet in all (or most) of its translucent glory.Marisa as Christie Brinkley (1981)
Frankly, I think there are better photos of Christie, but it’s hard to argue with that expanse of silky skin (X2).Marisa as Paulina Porizkova (1985)
Again, Marisa’s “modern” breast size interferes with the accuracy of this one, but a pretty beautiful setup.Marisa as Kathy Ireland (1986)
This one might be the best. Done up like this, even Marisa’s face looks like Kathy’s. If I didn’t know this was an impostor, I might not have even suspected.Marisa as Elle Macpherson (1990)
I miss the sheen on Elle’s midriff. Pretty gorgeous, though.Marisa as Stacey Williams (1993)
I’m thrilled that they did Stacey. Sadly, this was the one I had the hardest time finding a pic of online. The Marisa shot seems to be from a print magazine, but which print magazine?Marisa as Daniela Pestova (1995)
They went a little too severe on the hair, but otherwise a very convincing simulacrum.Marisa as Tyra Banks (1997)
This could have been touchy, but they played it well. Just dye Marisa’s hair black, don’t worry about the skin tone. Also, Marisa’s boob-to-hip ratio seems to be best suited for reproducing Tyra.Marisa as Sarah O’Hare (1999)
Interesting. Sarah O’Hare is the least “household” of the names on this list, and she only did two issues. But I think this one is more about the sand-kini than the girl wearing it.Marisa as Heidi Klum (2000)
Wow. The snake shot? Well, if you’re lucky enough to find two non-ophidiophobic swimsuit models within a five-year period, you have to go for it.Marisa was the perfect model to do this. She had done a lot to reinvigorate the idea of the SI girl as a well-known object of worship. (Heidi Klum filled that position beautifully, but she’d been out of regular circulation for a couple years by 2004. She returned for some 1940s bodypainting for 2006 and a weird Will Ferrell movie tie-in for 2008.)
But even more importantly, she functioned well as a blank slate onto which the prominent beauties of years past could be projected.
(Though I have to admit, as Marisa Miller Week draws to a close, I have a new appreciation for her. She’s not as “cookie-cutter” or generic as I thought; those eyebrows and that smirk and those warm eyes do set her apart.)
Friday, July 8, 2011
Hottest Bikini Shots
A couple months ago, the folks at Complex.com put together a list of the 50 Hottest Bikini Shots of All Time. Aside from a few inaccuracies (including a hazy idea of what constitutes a “bikini”), it’s a great list.
Predictably, there are lots of SI girls, and near the end of the list it’s almost a Tourette-style tirade of swimsuit issue covers.
#44: Paulina Porizkova 
They refer to this shot as coming from 1987, but it’s from 1985. My first swimsuit issue, seared in my memory.
#43: Christie Brinkley 
They list this as from 1975, but it's actually from 1981. It was good enough for SI to recreate it with Marisa Miller almost a quarter century later.
#41: Brooklyn Decker The only SI girl in a non-SI setting. Nice choice.
#34: Kathy Ireland 
From Complex’s description:
“This image was a cornerstone in Ms. Ireland’s career because it was a ridiculously long time coming for the S.I. vet. After 13 consecutive appearances in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues, she had finally earned a solo cover.”
Welllllll, 1992 was Kathy’s ninth consecutive year, not her thirteenth. (She was in twelve altogether.)
Also, she had her first solo cover three years earlier, in 1989 (the 25th Anniversary issue).
Finally, by specifying that she “finally” had a “solo cover,” they seem to imply that the cover she shared with Elle Macpherson and Rachel Hunter came out earlier than this one. In fact, it came out two years later, in 1994.
#32: Babette March 
Still a sexy photo. Babette is an artist with her own gallery now.
#30: Irina Shayk 
#23: Elle Macpherson/Kathy Ireland/Rachel Hunter 
#20: Niki Taylor 
Not what I’d call a bikini, but certainly a good choice for One-Piece Wednesday.
#18: Marisa Miller 
#17: Elsa Benitez 
#16:ValeriaMazza/Tyra Banks 
#15: Cheryl Tiegs 
Yum. One of the giants on whose shoulders stand Irina, Marisa, Brooklyn, etc!
#14: Christie Brinkley 
Another pioneer. This may have been the skimpiest bikini on the cover to date (1981).
#12: Petra Nemcova 
Eight years later, and she’s still adjusting those strings.
#6: Beyoncé 
#2: Tyra Banks 
Tyra’s intro to the all-bikini 1997 issue is the highest-rated SI bikini shot on the list. (I call for an asterisk, as #1 is Farrah Fawcett in a red one piece.)
Predictably, there are lots of SI girls, and near the end of the list it’s almost a Tourette-style tirade of swimsuit issue covers.
They refer to this shot as coming from 1987, but it’s from 1985. My first swimsuit issue, seared in my memory.
They list this as from 1975, but it's actually from 1981. It was good enough for SI to recreate it with Marisa Miller almost a quarter century later.
From Complex’s description:“This image was a cornerstone in Ms. Ireland’s career because it was a ridiculously long time coming for the S.I. vet. After 13 consecutive appearances in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues, she had finally earned a solo cover.”
Welllllll, 1992 was Kathy’s ninth consecutive year, not her thirteenth. (She was in twelve altogether.)
Also, she had her first solo cover three years earlier, in 1989 (the 25th Anniversary issue).
Finally, by specifying that she “finally” had a “solo cover,” they seem to imply that the cover she shared with Elle Macpherson and Rachel Hunter came out earlier than this one. In fact, it came out two years later, in 1994.
Still a sexy photo. Babette is an artist with her own gallery now.
Not what I’d call a bikini, but certainly a good choice for One-Piece Wednesday.
Yum. One of the giants on whose shoulders stand Irina, Marisa, Brooklyn, etc!
Another pioneer. This may have been the skimpiest bikini on the cover to date (1981).
Eight years later, and she’s still adjusting those strings.
Tyra’s intro to the all-bikini 1997 issue is the highest-rated SI bikini shot on the list. (I call for an asterisk, as #1 is Farrah Fawcett in a red one piece.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)