“Half Bikinis" Unlikely In Christchurch

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30471, 19 June 1964, Page 2

“Half Bikinis " Unlikely In Christchurch

The topless swimsuits, which are provoking angry comment in the United States, are not likely to be seen on Christchurch beaches next summer.

Retailers and manufacturing firms, which handle swimsuits here, were most emphatic when asked about them yesterday. They do not approve.

“They are right over the edge and I am sure they would not be allowed in the country,” said Mrs M. Penlington, the buyer of a retail firm. “I would not entertain the idea of buying them even if they were on the New Zealand market.”

Mr M. Lane, speaking for a large manufacturing company, said his firm bad no intention of following the designer Rudi Gernreich, who has introduced them to the American market. “I doubt if we would ever make them,” he said. “Swim-

wear trends have been heading this way for the past 50 years. This designer has now reached the ultimate. I think it is just a great advertising gimmick. It could help to sell more of his conservative-type swimsuits.”

The only merit in topless bikinis was that they created further interest in swimwear. “Not Economical”

“If every woman asked herself if she was prepared to wear a topless suit, I am sure very few would answer "yes.’ The retail sales would not be worth handling. To carry a full range of colours and sizes would not be economical, though as far as the making goes, that would be simple,” he said.

“Even if manufacturers did make them in New Zealand, I’m quite sure no store would buy them,” said Mrs C. Burrows, another retail buyer. “I would not buy them even if we had inquiries for them.” What if there is a demand for them?

“If there was sufficient demand we would probably produce them,” another manufac-

turer said, who did . not want his name published. “But I would not let my wife wear one.”

The topless bikini, held up by two thin straps that cross back and front, was forecast by Australian manufacturers some time ago to reach the beaches in about 10 years. “But I cannot see New Zealanders taking to a fashion like this,” he said. “If Necessary” Last year’s ’’Miss Canterbury” (Miss Regina Scrandrett), who will take up modelling contracts in the United States next year, said she would wear one only if absolutely necessary as part of her job. “But I certainly would not wear one in New Zealand,” she said.

A Christchurch minister closely associated with youth movements, said he agreed with the San Francisco clergy who denounced “half bikinis” as “an invitation to lust, a return to paganism, a corrupter of morals.” “I don’t think they, will ever come here; I don’t think they would be countenanced on the beaches, because of their degrading effect. But anyone, woman or girl, has the right to wear what she pleases in the privacy of her own home, or in a private swimming pool,” he said.