Catalina was founded in 1907 by John C. Bentz and persuaded such Hollywood luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers and Joan Crawford to appear in its swimsuits in early ads. But the company is perhaps most well-known for its relationship with the Miss America Pageant.

The Miss America Pageant began in Atlantic City in 1921 and during its early years, the swimsuit competition was the main event. All contestants had to wear the same suits and Catalina became a sponsor and began outfitting all the contestants in their swimwear.

Of course, one-piece suits were the norm back then. Today’s VPOD, an amazing 1940s pin-up bikini by Catalina would have been considered far too risque at the time (although it’s quite tame compared to the bikinis worn by today’s Miss America contestants). This fetching number features a bandeau top, bottom with peek-a-boo side seams and those amazing tropical flowers.

It’s a suit with plenty of sex appeal for a vintage fashionsta!

Available from Kakkoii Mono.

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