Since the very beginning of our existence, man has attempted to continue to
evolve forward, and has worked very hard to master or live in harmony with his
environment. We built basic shelters, and as we grew in knowledge many
magnificent buildings that later influenced the forming of productive societal
groups. As groups grew in size and developed useful tools that made life
easier and more organized many separated, traveled and ventured to explore the
world. From basic groups we formed cultures, distinct languages, civilizations
and countries. Regardless of new locations or new geographical terrain man
always had to deal with nature, his life, and his impact on environment. Also
he had to deal with competition and conflict which culminated in struggles and
wars among groups. As time and years passed regardless of these hardships we
managed to learn form our experiences and grew progressively forward and as
more civilized people. With the same inspiration and manner that we developed
great architecture and civilizations, man also became creative in designing
garments that draped the body that reflected outward many of his historical
events.
The early Nomads, barbarians and later folklore warriors like Attila the Hun,
wore strong animal skins that prepared them for battle in the harsh
unconquered terrains. Man soon discovered that bloodshed, plunder, changing
territories and brawn were becoming counterproductive. Attila after-all died
in his own bed, and not by the hands of the enemy but by a trusted person, his
wife. After battle men would gather and discuss casualties, losses and gains
and from it a new society change started to form. Man decided to become more
intellectually refined by developing their mind and not just the body for
wars. There was more to man than beast.
New ways of living that are still with us today were introduced by the Romans.
From this time most body garments were softer, silky and flowing gently as it
draped the human form. Excellent works of art, statues, poetry and literature
were produced. Man was flowing with creativity, inspiration and an ardent
desire to live more efficiently. Even our present day chemical peels developed
around that time in history as Cleopatra discovered that sour milk soaked in
bread when placed on her face helped exfoliate and renew the texture of her
skin. Roman houses of the upper classes even boasted a solarium, a special
room for taking sun baths without clothing. Hippocrates (the father of
medicine) would recommend bathing in water and then for the Romans to take
some leisure time in the sun. Reflection, rest and some time to grow
spiritually became an important part of their daily lives. This time also
produced our present day Senators which back in those days many were public
orators that would speak on matters of their Republic on the streets. Later
according to scriptures a prophet and founder of modern day Christianity Jesus
of Nazareth, left lessons to be learned to the People and later toppled tables
and dispersed special money interests that were in front of the temples. These
individuals wished to have more control over the people's finances and of the
Republic.
Time
passed and new currencies along with growth in new geographical locations
produced new forms of governments such as the monarchy. This type of ruling
brought with it more elaborate, fitted and restrictive clothing. This also
reflected the restrictions and social scales among the social classes. This
period also produced great literature and works of art. Also great wealth as
it produced a tally-stick monetary system that served as a foundation that
later changed to other methods. Noble men and Royalty would often receive
special education and tutoring while others may have attended special
universities around the world. Some of the best fashion history books were
produced by the English and the French due to their long history as older
nations. In the book, "The Importance of wearing Clothes", written in 1991 by
Julian Robins, he titled a section-from Bikini-to-bikini in 1,500 years. He
points out the fact that what the French designer labeled a bikini, did exist
earlier as fashion in paintings or murals depicted from ancient Italy and
later Greece. The only difference was that at that time this 2-piece garment
was used indoors near baths areas and or gymnasiums. Book author, James Laver
also made reference at the image of the Roman girl holding the exercise
weights on her hands, in his book, "Costumes and Fashions". Here he names the
image as, Bikini girl from Sicily, late third century A.D. The Romans, unlike
the Greeks, did not exercise in the gymnasium naked but wore a (modicum) of
clothing very similar to our modern day gym and swimwear styles.
So, what about the tale of the atomic bomb and Bikini Atoll? Well, French
designer, Louis Reard did impress and cheer everyone up when he introduced a
model at a fashion show wearing a green and purple 2-pc bathing suit he called
the Bikini. During that time and around July of 1946, the United States
announced that it would be testing an atomic bomb at Bikini Atoll in the
Marshall islands. This area is located in the North Pacific. People Around the
world were concerned from prior experiences from wars and wondered about the
future. Designer Louis Reard feared that attendance at the fashion show would
be low in numbers and naming the new fashion debut style a Bikini would cause
more interest and increase attendance.
This historical event in addition to
bringing us the future tiny and micro mini bikini it also brought us the book "Design
For Survival", by General Thomas S. Power. In it General Power
from his long experience and career in military affairs, wrote on page 253, War
deterrence is more than bombs and missiles, tanks and armies. Deterrence
is:
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A sound economy and prosperous Industry.
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Effective civil defense and maintenance of Law and order.
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Practice of religion and respect for the rights and convictions of others.
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A high standard of morals and Wholesome family life.
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Honesty in public office and Freedom of the press.
Deterrence is all these things and many more, for only a Nation that is healthy
and strong in every respect has the power and will to deter the forces
from within and without that threaten its survival.
What do we learn from these events? That regardless of social conflicts man has
a natural desire for wellness, playfulness, and creativity. Also, that we are
capable of change and Innovation, often even changing our clothing styles and
physical appearance while coping with our environment. We find that no social
pressures, fears, deceptions, or outside restrictive events could change man's innate
desire for Freedom, Spontaneity, and Prosperity. Man has a natural need to
continue to find better ways to live in harmony with his environment and with
other fellow human beings across the world. Are we going forward or going
backwards in time, back to wars and bondage? As time passes, we have the
capability to learn from our past experiences for the better, and hopefully
become more self-actualized as People.