The 10 most profitable moments in bikini history
Posted
Jul 02 2009, 11:41 AM
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Minyanville
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The month will likely pass with very little mention. Folks will remain uninformed of its importance. The chance for honorary celebrations and time off from work will have elapsed.
So just for your and your family's edification: July is National Bikini Month.
Conveniently timed to coincide with warm weather, family picnics and your child's summer vacation, National Bikini Month commands that the country expresses reverence to the wondrous innovation of dividing feminine swimwear into 2 pieces. An evocative example of liberation, women are no longer a slave to 1890s beach conventions. They are free to remove the swim cap and striped wading jumpsuit and enjoy a tan that doesn't stop at the wrists.
Yes, the bikini is truly a giant leap for mankind.
But aside from the advancement of social mores, the bikini was at the forefront for several lucrative ventures. Sound implausible? Well, maybe the phrase "Sex sells" has escaped your vernacular -- as well as "lowest common denominator."
The profitability of a woman showing off some skin hit a stride with the advent of the bikini. Soon after its introduction, French bombshell Brigitte Bardot gave the world a look-see during a highly publicized photo shoot at the 1953 Cannes Film Festival. For anyone who wasn't yet championing the cause of the 2-piece swimsuit, their minds were certainly changed shortly thereafter.
And with any enterprising startup product, once the kids are hooked, the sky's the limit.
The 1960s brought a series of Beach Party movies starring the irreverent Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello -- two crazy 20-somethings playing upbeat teens who marched to a beat of their own "surf solo" drum. Providing equal parts make-out sessions and wild, flailing dance moves, they clearly and concisely demonstrated to young adults worldwide just how to stuff a wild bikini.
Even as the sexual revolution rose and fell, the bikini remained a staple to social life -- in the home, at work and at play. And with its widespread appeal, the 2-piece has given an extra nudge to otherwise mediocre bottom lines.
In honor of such a prestigious month, Minyanville takes a cheeky look at the most memorable -- and profitable -- bikini moments.
Top Stocks blogging partner Todd Harrison is founder & CEO of Minyanville.com. This post was written by Minyanville Contributor Mike Schuster.
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