Brigitte Bardot Bikini

From LoveToKnow Swimsuits

The Brigitte Bardot bikini sparked fashion trends all over the world in 1956 when the fresh-faced French beauty donned one in her film, And God Created Women.

Brigitte Bardot: Screen Goddess

Brigitte Bardot was born in Paris, France on September 28, 1934. Early in her teens, she decided to concentrate on a career in ballet. In fact, she was accepted to the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance in 1947 where she studied for the next three years.

Her life, however, took a sharp turn in 1949 when she modeled for the fashion magazine "Jardin des Modes". From there, Brigitte Bardot appeared on the March 8, 1950 cover of Elle magazine. The issue did not escape the notice of a young film director named Roger Vadim (Roger Vadim also went on to become Brigitte Bardot’s first husband), who quickly showed the magazine to director and screenwriter Marc Allegret. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Brigitte Bardot Bikini

Many trends, from the Sauerkraut hairstyle (a take on the beehive) to sexy smoldering eyes, to the popularization of bikini swimwear looks, have all been attributed to Brigitte Bardot.

Before the Brigitte Bardot bikini, most swimwear looks were rather modest. Bardot changed all that with her voluptuous curves, bedroom eyes and lush bold locks; the beauty was too much for fashion plates to ignore, and soon the Brigitte Bardot bikini look was everywhere!

Comparable Bikini Looks

Who wouldn’t want to wear a similar style of bikini to the ones that Brigitte Bardot wore? Luckily, Bardot wore several different styles of bikinis, so there is more than one look to choose from.

Bally Hoo Vintage

At Bally Hoo Vintage, one can find a vintage 1950s Bardot bikini. The pink gingham number features a bandeau-style top and pink short shorts. This structured top and boy-cut short is available for $90.00.

Other looks that are worth considering include the Fabulous Fifties Pin-up Girl Polka Dot Bikini and the 1970s Maillot. Neither of these pieces has been worn before, and they are priced at $165.00 and $45.00 respectively.

Shop Wiki

Forever known as "The Girl in the Bikini", Brigitte Bardot herself would be proud of the available bikinis at Shop Wiki. There, one finds:

The Brigitte Bikini: This style combines the vintage patterns of the 1950s with a flattering halter top and low rise bottom that is accented by a small group of rings. This stack of brown rings not only accents, but contrasts the overall blue color of the suit. This look-a-like bikini comes in two colors, Leaves Aqua and African Blueberries Grass, and is available for $145.00.

The Brigitte Bikini in Cardinale: This bikini is very similar to the Brigitte bikini above, with the exception of its color and pattern. Here, the bikini is presented as a solid block of color in fire orange, and while it still features the attractive stacked rings, it lacks any pattern whatsoever. This look is available for $220.00.

Nordstrom

At Nordstrom, one can find the Vitamin A Brigitte Bandeau Bikini Top. Set on a fabric lush with colorful stripes and a bronze-toned ring detail, this bikini is the very epitome of Bardot style. Tying around the neck, and featuring underwire support, this Nylon/Lycra fabric is perfect for a day of beach fun. It's available for $39.90.

Beach Bliss

Vitamin A comes through again, with their stunning Sapphire Shimmer Brigitte Mahogany Pin-Up star Bikini. In fact, this bikini is almost a dead-ringer for the one Brigitte Bardot wore in The Girl in the Bikini.

The top of this look features an art nouveau graphic swirl pattern, but the suit is done in a rich shade of brown. The overall appearance, combined with the attractive O-ring detail, is one of cool sophistication. It's available for $163.00.

Additionally, vitamin A also offers the Sapphire Shimmer look in mocha, but this time the swirl pattern on the top is also featured on the bottom portion of the swimsuit. While this bikini is a bit more expensive at $173.00, it’s the perfect look for anyone who adores the artistic pattern of the Brigitte look.