In 1946, Micheline Bernardini became the only person willing to wear a new type of swimsuit. The French-born 19-year-old was a nude dancer, so she had no issue with modelling the barely there two-piece, which its designer, Louis Réard, had audaciously christened the bikini: a nod to the  atomic bombs being tested on the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. In another wink and a nod to the explosive reaction it would elicit, Réard fashioned the swimsuit out of newsprint. On its 40th anniversary, Bernardini once again posed in a bikini, this time holding a photograph of this fashion moment that ushered in an era of proto-feminist body autonomy. In 1986, her body is wider, fleshier – marked with varicose veins and time. And, she looks wonderful. Consider Bernardini our inspiration for this feature: an ode to a delicious helping of body positivity, and to forever letting it all hang out. 

Colour Block

Life is a journey but also a party – keep it going with piña colada-scented Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 30.

Even Stevens

For uniform head-to-toe tanning that would have done retro sun-worshipper Ursula Andress, pictured here in 1965, proud, try Nuda Bronzefoam self-tanning mousse and strike a pose.

Bolt From the Blue

Catch greased lightning in a bottle while keeping your ink bright – protect your tattoos with a zinc oxide-based sunblock like SuperGoop! Matte Screen SPF50.

Ahoy There!

There’s nothing more nostalgic than JFK Jr., seen here in his 1980s Hyannis Port glory, or the coconut scent of Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil. Recreate the look – but not the burn – with Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino ’97 Golden Shimmer Body Oil.

Chlorine Chorine

As the first Asian woman to achieve Hollywood stardom, Anna May Wong, seen above in 1924, faced a few raised eyebrows but didn’t let it phase her. Stay picture-perfect with smudge-proof makeup such as Clinique’s High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara and Chantecaille’s Waterproof Brow Definer.

A Point of View

Body positivity on the wall – and on the floor – leaves a lasting impression like a summer scent. Sample Acqua di Parma’s Buongiorno Dolce Far Niente, or layer on the mystery with barely there Diptyque Eau des Sens Hair Mist.

Full Frontal

Exercise and exposure call for a post-dip application of Clarins Soothing After Sun Balm, infused with moisture-packed plant extracts to calm, and hydrate, your skin.

Flash Dance

Sometimes the occasion calls for high glam. Make sure you’re as ready for the spotlight as actress Marjorie Wallace was in 1980 with ultra-glossy Dior Addict Glass Lipstick, Dior Glassy Glow Stick highlighter and set the look with Dior Airflash Mist.

Smooth Operator

Back in 1984, the model Iman, and future Mrs. David Bowie, didn’t really need any help. The rest of us can keep our skin this flawless with Josie Maran Topless Tangerine Argan Oil + Sugar Balm Exfoliating Body Scrub.