Ever since bikinis first gained mainstream popularity back in the 1940s, there have been countless iconic celebrity swimsuit moments both on and off the big screen. And, from Ursula Andress’ unforgettable white bikini in Dr. No (1962) to Margot Robbie’s striped monochrome one-piece in the upcoming Barbie movie, each one has shaped and inspired our own summer beachwear styles. With summer hot on our heels and our swimwear wishlist growing ever longer, we can think of no better time to take a closer look back at all the most notable celebrity bikini moments both past and present. With everything from memorable movie looks to eternally chic, candid vacation shots, we fully plan on basing our new season swimwear lineup on these iconic celebrity swimwear styles!
BRIGITTE BARDOT - LE TROU NORMAND (1952)
Bridgitte Bardot has given us many memorable bikini moments over the years and, even though she starred in the aptly named movie, The Girl In The Bikini, in 1952, we’re making our top bikini pick from Le Trou Normand. This movie actually came out the same year just one month later and featured one of the most beautiful strapless bikinis we’ve seen to date. Yes, over 70 years on and we’re still pining for Bridgitte’s floral bikini with its beautiful bandeau top and matching bikini bottoms.
MARILYN MONROE - HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE (1953)
As stunning today as it was in the 50s, Marilyn’s unforgettable red one piece swimsuit in How To Marry A Millionaire continues to inform swimwear styles even today. We adore the strapless neckline and full coverage swimsuit bottoms almost as much as the vibrant lipstick hue. What’s more, lovers of ultra-glamorous bikini styles will love the sparkly embellishments on this iconic movie swimsuit. The best part? This suit is so classic, you could easily wear something similar this summer and look right on trend.
URSULA ANDRESS - DR. NO (1962)
No celebrity bikini round-up could possibly be complete without mentioning Ursula Andress’s incredibly famous white bikini from the 1962 Bond movie, Dr. No. Arguably the most-searched-for bikini in movie history, this flawless white bathing suit is as sought after in 2023 as it was in the early 60s. It’s the very reason we’ll be slipping into the Kumanomi cup top and matching high waisted bikini bottoms in the shade Mosaico every chance we get.
PAMELA ANDERSON - BAYWATCH (1992 - 1997)
When it comes to the most iconic bikinis and one piece bathing suits of all time, few are as memorable as Pamela Anderson’s red one piece swimsuit from the hit 90s series, Baywatch. Whilst this particularly high-cut style and plunging neckline may have fallen out of favor at times, high leg swim bottoms have made a huge comeback in the past few years making this suit as relevant now as it was then. Lucky for us, the Zabel one piece in the shade Burgundy is ready and waiting to stylishly replicate her look for the sunshine season ahead.
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KATE BOSWORTH - BLUE CRUSH (2002)
As it happens, Kate launched her very own line of swimwear just this year. And whilst the pieces are undeniably beautiful, we’re still coveting her classic black triangle top and low rise red bikini bottoms from 2002’s Blue Crush. Its simple style is eternally chic, easy to wear, and perfect for swimming, surfing (of course), and strolling along the sand. Our advice? Mix and match the swimwear pieces you own to put your own spin on the look. Or, to really nail this iconic pairing, team the Marie long triangle top in Nero and Hedy mid rise bottoms in burgundy.
KATE BECKINSALE - COCA-COLA COMMERCIAL (2004)
With her eternally elegant style and penchant for designer silhouettes, any swimsuit Kate Beckinsale steps out in is likely to be a winner. In 2004, she proved that to be true as she filmed a commercial for Coca-Cola whilst wearing a stunning black and white bikini. It famously featured a triangle top and low-rise bottoms with a bow fastening in the center of the bust. And, though this style of bikini bottoms isn’t for everyone, it’s certainly making a slow and steady comeback with the return of all things 90s in 2023. As for the top, it’s a swimwear staple from then that certainly works right now!
JENNIFER LOPEZ - (2013)
Exactly a decade ago, Jennifer Lopez had us all feeling seriously envious of her swimwear lineup when she took to the beach to film a commercial in Florida. Ever the style icon, she relaxed on a sun lounger wearing a gorgeous, not to mention glamorous, nude one piece swimsuit with a statement metallic halter neckline. This summer, we plan on replicating her still stylish look by opting for simple one piece bathing suits and plenty of neutral tones. Namely, the Chikyu belted one piece in the shade mosaico. This suit is perfect for everything from lounging in the sun, like J.Lo, to sea swimming.
ALEXANDRA DADDARIO - (2022)
Much like Jennifer, Alexandra Daddario tends to cause a stir in whichever stylish bikini she steps out in. For example, we were all highly envious of each and every look she sported in Baywatch (2017) and The White Lotus (2021). As it turns out, her off-screen beachwear looks happen to be just as stunning. Spotted on a paddle boarding trip just last year, she wowed us all once again with her flawless taste in swimwear. A white bikini with a turquoise print that’s as perfect for sitting by the pool as it is for exploring the water.
Written by Sophie Mara - Fashion & Lifestyle Writer for Koraru
Sophie is a fashion and lifestyle writer based in the eco-friendly city of Brighton, England. She has years of experience writing for a number of online fashion and lifestyle publications about personal styling, fashion & lifestyle, Fashion Week coverage, beauty and more. On rare occasions when she's not writing, Sophie can be found with her head in a good book or catching up on her favourite interior design series
Header image by by margot pandone on Unsplash
