20.6.11

this is one of my favourite ROM acquisitions from the past year. the suit was designed by canadian swimsuit legend rose marie reid. reid became famous for using water resistant materials to create modern, comfortable swimsuits - as opposed to heavy wool. the textile was designed by another canadian, marianne mccrea mcclain. it features traditional canadian iconography: totem poles, maple leaves, teepees and canoes. it is so forties fab !