Beach fashion of 1956

What makes this photoshoot interesting, is that none of those beauties was a model. The photographer, George Barkentin, did a spontanous casting on a beach near Jacksonville, Florida. He set up cold drinks and sandwiches on the first hole of the Ponte Vedra Club golf course and spread the word that he was looking for amateur models. Over 100 women showed up. He picked 5 and took them to the beach for a lovely showcase of swimsuits and beautiful bodies.

Beautiful Dovie Phillips wearing a lastex faille tunic by Catalina ($18).




Black lace, reminiscent of both the budoir and the ballroom, comes to the beach. This sultry ruffled sheath is made of elasticized nylon lace over classic satin-finished lastex foundation. (Jantzen, $25). Model is high-school senior Frances Davis.


Even classic cotton short-suit has added feminine touch of high sash and satin sheen (Cabana, $18). Model is Marjorie Wilkinson.


Elasticized bengaline suit with crescent pin has tuck-away straps, built-in curves, giving wearer shape like Victorian hourglass silkouette (Rose Marie Reid, $35). Model is beautiful June Ramsey.