The Vamp is Back

With spring in full swing, there’s no time like the present to revamp your closet. After giving your wardrobe a healthy spring cleaning, you should start investing in classic pieces essential to the Jantzen woman’s closet. Our signature suit, the chic and refined vamp maillout is back and ready to hit the water! You’ll want to put this suit on for effortless style and endless glamour. Available in red, black and polka dot, the vamp will be sure to make every woman a beautiful siren, everywhere she goes. Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on this timeless suit, now available at Popina Swimwear. Your vamp is just a click away!    

Yankee Doodle!

Traditionally the pre-Revolutionary War song was sung by British military officers to mock the disheveled, and disorganized colonial "Yankees". The term "doodle" meant simpleton and the

verse implied a group so unsophisticated that sticking a feather in a cap, would replace the stylish macaroni wig and elevate them to the height of fashion.

Contrarily, this charming and patriotic ad, illustrated by Pete Hawley, proclaimed a new American custom. "Look wonderful, feel wonderful, do wonderful things in a Jantzen foundation...with the famous Jantzen swimsuit allure...with freedom."

Mademoiselle Magazine, February, 1942

The Queen and the Diving Girl

A young Queen, her consort, the Duke of Edinburgh and children, Prince Charles and Princess Ann, are seen here in an informal setting as the Empire’s epitome of family life. This 1953 photo appeared on the cover of The Diving Girl, the company newsletter of Jantzen (Australia) Ltd., in New South Wales.

In 1958, inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the United States, Jantzen produced a line of swimsuits called “London Town”. Flocked pin stripe knits and chalk stripe Helanca saluted the art of fine English tailoring and transformed the town suits of Savile Row into tailored swimwear silhouettes with smoky, pearl buttons and names like “the Diplomat” and “Fleet Street”.

Britain's national anthem says it perfectly, "God Save the Queen".

St. Patricks Day!

Shamrocks and green ribbons were worn as early as the 17th century to symbolize St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and a religious feast day. Today it is a secular holiday and the most recognized saint's day in the world.

This beautiful floral jacquard, reminiscent of shamrocks, was produced in 1961. It is a bi-color knit called "Flower Song". The matching cardigan was meant for "after dive" activities, an innovative concept of a new ad campaign.

"Just Wear a Smile and a Jantzen" and "Top O' the Morning" to you. Let's celebrate!

Be My Valentine

Fluid, lively, sense of humor and spontaneous are all attributes of love.

They also perfectly describe the whimsical art of Earl Oliver Hurst. His

superlative line and swift moving brush are fueled by vitality, the essence

of amour. What could be more appealing than a romance inducing Jantzen

with ruffled trim? The “clinging vine” suit and Hurst are perfect mating for

a timeless love story.

Mademoiselle Magazine, July, 1945

Tis The Season....

What better way to capture the holiday spirit than with the fabulous and festive illustration of artist Pete Hawley. Whether a mischievous Santa on a rooftop, a carousel rider on a regal reindeer or an elfin trimming the tree, his love of fun and frivolity is evident. After all, it is the most anticipated and celebrated time of year for presents and to “give yourself a Jantzen figure.”

The above ads were produced for the Jantzen Foundation Division from 1943 to 1947. They appeared in Mademoiselle, Harper’s Bazaar and Junior Bazaar magazines. Pete Hawley’s artwork for Jantzen continued until 1962.

Let the fun begin! Happy Holidays!

Gobble, gobble!

The turkey is the most recognized symbol of the modern day Thanksgiving even though there is no real evidence that it was served at the Pilgrims’ first harvest. The charming feathered fowl in this whimsical illustration by artist Pete Hawley seems to be headed for the table. He is unfortunately two years too early for a presidential turkey pardon which was first performed by Harry Truman in 1947 and is a tradition that continues to this day.

In 1941, after much debate, Franklin Roosevelt declared the national holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. “any minute now” appeared in the November issue of Mademoiselle magazine in 1945.