Pamela Anderson's Baywatch swimsuit is coming to a London museum

In March 2024, an exhibition titled 'Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style' will open at the Design Museum in London, showcasing various aspects of swimming over the past century. Among the featured items is the famous red swimsuit worn by Pamela Anderson during her time on the television show Baywatch from 1992 to 1997. This significant piece of swimwear is part of a larger collection that explores swimming's cultural, social, and technological evolution, with particular emphasis on its various styles and the changing perceptions of body image. The exhibition will delve into the history of swimwear, starting from the 1920s when swimwear began to be seen more as stylish attire rather than simply for bathing. It will include artifacts such as the first Olympic solo swimming gold medal won by a British woman in 1924, and a model of the London 2012 Aquatics Centre designed by architect Zaha Hadid. The exhibition aims to highlight swimming's impact on leisure and its significance in modern life, including how it reflects societal shifts regarding personal autonomy and body image. Additionally, various swimwear innovations will be displayed, including the now-banned LZR Racer swimsuit, while one of the world's first two-piece swimsuits, known as a bikini, will also be part of the exhibition. This bikini, introduced by French designer Louis Réard in 1946, symbolizes changing attitudes toward swimwear and women's fashion. The exhibition does not only focus on the garments but also touches on the folklore and mythology surrounding swimming, such as the cultural imagery of merfolk and water spirits, showcasing how these themes have been expressed through mass media, including films and television shows. Amber Butchart, the guest co-curator of the exhibition, emphasizes the importance of presenting Pamela Anderson's swimsuit, especially at a time when she is reclaiming her image and promoting her swimwear designs. Butchart notes that the narrative of swimwear mirrors broader changes in society, reflecting evolving ideals around body autonomy and leisure activities. Overall, this exhibition at the Design Museum is set to be a significant exploration of the past century of swimming and its interaction with culture and society.