There is nothing quite so charming, quite so evocative of the gorgeousness of 50s and 60s fashions, as vintage bathing costumes.
Tell me if you don't think these swimming costumes are far more beautiful and more sexy than anything you see on the beaches nowadays.
(Okay - with the exception of the billowing-nappy kinda ones).

And actually I think they were even cuter in the 30s and 40s.
Eat your heart out ladies.

John French was probably the most famous of all British fashion photographers.
His work really speaks for itself.
You can read more about him and see copies of his gorgeous photographs in this book (click on cover for more info):

Look at the amazing cut of these jackets! The hats and gloves and makeup - everything! - is just soooo stylish and gorgeous.

I especially love his group shots:

John French at work with a model:

So Kathryn Abbe (born Kathryn McLaughlin) and her sister Frances McLaughlin-Gill were twin sisters and prodigious photographers through the 1940s - 1970s.
They both worked for Vogue and other esteemed publications at various times and did exceptionally well for two women in a male-dominated industry at that time.
There is a documentary about them both called "Twin Lenses" produced by Nina Rosenblum. Haven't seen it but would like to. They must have led fascinating lives.


Here are some of their photographs.

Frances McLaughlin-Gill - From my perspective she was by far the better of the two. She did a lot of fashion photography and her colours and composition are gorgeous. (It helps that the models and clothes and era were completely gorgeous too!)

I think this is my favourite one though - and the "making of" photos:

Kathryn Abbe - Her subjects are more varied, and it is harder to discern a particular style in her photography. But her photos are still worth posting!