Rose Marie Reid was the Queen of Swimwear in the 1950s, ruling an empire that produced 10,000 suits a day and posted sales of $14 million by 1958! Women loved her knack for hiding figure flaws and it was Rose Marie Reid who pioneered the use of tummy control panels, wire bra cups and the boning and adjustable straps that we enjoy in modern
swimwear today. Plus she was a woman who stood by her convictions. Because she was Mormon, she refused to design immodest bathing suits. So while her company did ultimately create
bikinis, Rose Marie Reid refused to participate in their design. For vintage fashionistas, an early authentic Rose Marie Reid swimsuit is a coveted find. Click the slideshow to see a fab little selection of her designs!
