Australia is one of the world’s economically most advanced and developed nations. It is well known as a major global powerhouse and a hub of culture, education and manufacturing. Thousands of people head to Australia aiming to get a good quality higher education, while even more are trying to move there due to a whole range of benefits.
However, when it comes to tourism and its main attractions, Australian culture or education are not the first things that appear in our minds. The country’s tourism industry revolves around its spectacular, unspoiled nature and wildlife. Australia is one of the world’s largest countries measured by the area. However, due to its small population, the majority of the country is not densely populated or inhabited at all. Another positive contributor to its beautiful landscapes and untouched nature is the geographic location of the country. Placed in the middle of the ocean, it maintains its very own ecosystem all across the continent.
The country is home to some of the most unique creatures that are still inhabiting the planet earth. From widely adored kangaroos to koalas and even penguins, Australia positions itself as the global tourist attraction for the lovers of wildlife. Videos of snakes or giant spiders in suburban Australian apartment buildings often go viral on the internet, showcasing how animals coexist with people. However, the wildfires in 2019 are estimated to have killed over a billion animals around the country, sparking a global discussion on how we preserve our natural wonders.
Yes, some of the abovementioned animals can be observed in local zoos all around the world. However, seeing them in their natural habitat is what many people desire. After all, everyone wants to look at a kangaroo out of the car window jumping at the speed of 70 kilometers per hour. Without a doubt, that is a marvelous encounter that many want to experience at least once in their lifetime.
Wildlife might not be the most interesting attraction of Australia – prospectively the biggest one either
It is true that the majority of visitors that often cross half of the planet to reach Australia want to see the country’s wildlife – a natural wonder and the national treasure. However, since it is the 6th largest country on earth, many miss out on the enchanting cities of Australia. We might even say that the wildlife attractions are widely overshadowing the urban areas of the country.
Unfortunately, not many people know that Australia is home to some of the most diverse, culturally enriched, liveable, green and fun global cities on earth. The majority of them are concentrated on the south-eastern coast of the country, including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Newcastle. The capital city of Canberra is also in the east but a bit off the ocean, yet still a part of the coastal region. Pretty much the only major city in the western part of Australia is Perth, which as well is located in the south. This geographic cluster of urban areas is why many people miss out on them, as the majority of wildlife attractions are on the other side of the nation.
However, the number of people visiting urban sprawls in Australia is quickly increasing. One of the industries attracting lots of people is gambling. Due to the softened legislation on casinos in the country, many people come to play online casino games in Australia, since such activities are prohibited in many Asian nations. Gambling is becoming an important driving force for the national economy and a major boost for the tourism industry as well.
Australian cities are ranked as some of the most liveable in the world. For a long time now, Melbourne and Sydney have been topping the list coming at second and third places respectively. The liveability index combines a lot of factors that influence our daily lives in cities. Thus, it is a good indicator of how dynamic and fun, as well as environmentally-friendly urban areas around the world, are.
Sydney – the thriving metropolis of Australia
Cities in Australia are packed with a whole range of activities one can enjoy while on a trip. Sydney, the country’s unofficial capital features one of the world’s most well-recognized landmarks – the Sydney Opera House. Designed by Jørn Utzon, the iconic building opened its doors to the public in 1973, after almost 14 years of construction. Now it attracts millions of visitors every year. Another must-see sight in the biggest city of Australia is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was built almost a century ago. It offers stunning views over the beautiful Port Jackson Bay – a not to miss picture opportunity.
Besides those famous sights, visiting or living in Sydney comes with a unique lifestyle. The city is packed with Michelin star restaurants, boutique shops, high-end hotels, as well as cheap bars and pubs. The entertainment scene in Sydney is without a doubt one of the best in the world. Moreover, for those who prefer a less active lifestyle, it offers a whole range of green spaces, world-class beaches and cultural venues. In the end, everything mentioned above is perfectly connected with a very efficient public transport system.
Melbourne – the Australian capital of culture
Melbourne is the southernmost and the second-largest city in Australia. The capital of the state of Victoria is widely recognized as the culturally most significant city in Australia and one of the largest hubs of culture in the world. It was initially established as a British settlement and saw a major European, particularly British influence on its cultural development ever since its foundation. Later, migrants from different parts of the world, primarily from Asia and the Americas shaped the city into what today is one of the most multicultural and diverse cities globally.
The Royal Exhibition building featuring beautiful gardens is one of the major cultural venues in the city along with the other. Melbourne regularly hosts major globally significant exhibitions, including some of the contemporary arts. The La Trobe Reading Room in the State Library of Victoria captivates its readers and visitors, while Princess Theatre offers some of the world’s most famous plays.
Besides being a cultural hotspot, the city is known for its well-balanced mix of the old and new. Glass skyscrapers now dominate Melbourne’s dazzling skyline, but old, Victorian buildings can be found proudly standing next to them, embodying the past as well as the future of the country. The food scene is also astonishing, as Melbourne is proud to be one of the vegan capitals of the world. Fine dining here is perfectly suitable for both meat-eaters and plant-based visitors. It also offers a diverse range of bars and pubs in its downtown.
The public transport system in Melbourne is the most iconic in Australia and beyond. The city’s tram system is the world’s longest, highlighting the European influence on its early development. The “art tram project” is further showcasing the cultural living of the city. Since the 1970s, tram cars on the city’s network have been decorated by world-famous as well as local artists, running through the city.
Are Australian cities worth a visit?
Most certainly yes! Australian wildlife is a global treasure and it will keep attracting bigger numbers of visitors every year. However, the country also has a lot to offer in its cities and they should not be left without recognition. Besides the two cities discussed in detail above, others across the country, more significantly in the south-east, offer varying experiences that can not be seen elsewhere around the world.

Keeping up with the changes in fashion is one thing, but what about swimwear? Swimwear trends change too, but in the past, they’ve changed to suit things as strict as laws! From covering up entirely to being allowed to show a little leg (gasp!), we’re joined by Cleveland College of Art and Design. The College has its own swimwear design course and have lent us their expertise on the subject.

Male swimwear

You may think women were the only people who had strict rules regarding covering up, but the viewpoint did once apply to men, to some degree. For example, in the 1900s, it was illegal for men to go topless on the beach. This meant the fashion of the time, while far less restrictive than women, was still quite regulated.

Cast an eye over how much men’s swimwear has changed:

• 1900s – As it was illegal for men to go topless, the swimsuits of this era were one piece styles, with short sleeves and short that cut around the mid-thigh or longer.
• 1920s – Unable to bear the sun being out without their guns being out, men toed the line of the shirtless ban with sleeveless one pieces.
• 1930s – Finally, the ban on going topless on a beach was lifted for men and they were all too keen to embrace this new freedom. Shorts were now in fashion, and they were short-shorts at that.
• 1950s – Rayon stormed the swimwear world, with a quick-dry silky feel that innovated shorts and one-pieces. Spandex and rayon were also combined at this point…
• 1970s – …a combination that would eventually lead to the well-known Speedos. These tight briefs were all the rage in the 70s. Along with bright colours and prints. What a decade to be alive!
• 1980s – The 80s preferred roomier boxers. Probably needed a breather after the throttling grip of the Speedos Seventies…
• 1990s – Ah, the 90s. Colourful Hawaiian prints on trunks were the way to go for men’s swimwear, coupled with the beach-goer requirement of a Puka shell necklace. Actually, did you keep hold of yours? They’re apparently making a comeback.
• 2000s – All those Hawaiian prints got too much, it seems, as the 2000s returned to single colour, simple board shorts.
• 2010 – 10 years on and we got bored of plain colours, and prints resurfaced.
• 2018 – Colourful prints are still going strong, with a preference towards shorts-style cuts.

Female swimwear

Women didn’t get to be as free by the poolside as men. In fact, some of the early swimwear for women was downright suffocating. In the Victorian era, women would have to cover up as much on the beach as they would anywhere else. Whole dresses, heavy and sleeved down to the wrists, shoes, and sometimes even stockings were even worn to maintain a women’s dignity and purity. And you thought getting the sand out of your sandals was a nightmare…

• 1900s – Women were still expected to cover up at this stage, though short sleeves and knee-grazing hems were allowed. The dresses were a little lighter than Victorian dresses, but used flannel and wool.
• 1910s – The company Jantzen released a range of swimsuits that clung tightly to the body, looking more like modern one piece suits. As the suits were sleeveless and had much shorter hems than were allowed for women at the time, the company couldn’t market them easily. Instead, the design was called a “swimming suit”, focusing on its athletic purpose.
• 1920s – Jantzen’s competitor against the beach dress slowly began to change swimwear fashion. In the 20s, women’s swimwear was made like the men’s and ditched the long sleeves, and the shorts became shorter. But women were subjected to rigorous laws regarding the length of their shorts. Exposing more leg than what was allowed would result in a woman being fined or even arrested. Women even had their shorts measured on the beach to make sure they didn’t break any rules.
• 1930s – The short-length ban was lifted, and synthetic fabrics were introduced. Women’s swimwear now sported lower necklines and shorter hems, as well as being tight-fitting.
• 1940s – This decade had the historic first use of the bikini, worn by model Micheline Bernardi. Around this time, women were allowed to work more due to the war efforts. Along with proving their strength, women began to become confident enough to show it – spaghetti strap swimwear began to appear, along with bolder designs.
• 1950s – The 50s was a massive moment for women’s swimwear. Bikini fashion was adored, and exposing the midriff was a key focus of the fashion in this era. It as still deemed risqué, and high-waist shorts covered above the navel.
• 1960s – If the 50s showed women slowly dipping a toe into the bikini phenomenon, the 60s saw women dive right in. Nylon and Lycra was introduced, allowing suits to be tighter than ever. Plus, the Brian Hyland classic Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, was released in June 1960 and is thought to have caused a surge of bikini sales and wider acceptance. So, where did women’s swimwear have left to go from here? One, two, three, four, tell the people what she wore…she wore a…
• 1970s – …teenier bikini. It didn’t have to be yellow or polka dot, but the bikinis of the 70s were smaller, and the bikini briefs sat on lower on the hip!
• 1980s – The 80s moved away from focusing on the cut so much as the colours. Bright prints and neon splashes brought 80s swimwear out of monotone with patterns and prints becoming popular choices. That’s not to say the cuts were ignored altogether, as plunge necklines saw more and more use.
• 1990s – The 90s for women was the era of mix and match swimwear. With tankinis offering an alternative to bikinis and one-piece suits, women were encouraged to pair different prints and colours between their top and bottoms. For bikini-wear, cleavage was the focus; still embracing the 80’s love for prints and colours, the 90s saw higher hip cuts.
• 2000s – In the 2000s and 2010s, we embraced a mix of everything! Women were encouraged to show as much or as little as they want, with emphasis on personal confidence rather than following a trend. This era also marked the beginning of turning away from the idea of a ‘required bikini body’; if you wanted to wear a bikini, wear the bikini. If you wanted to wear a one piece, go ahead. This era was a pick and mix of previous trends. Go wild!
• 2018 – Continuing on from the “wear what you love” trend of the 2010s, we’re all about mixing that idea with revisiting past classics. 2018’s swimwear trends are all about modern takes on contemporary designs. Monochrome styles are also a hot pick this year.

Sporty swimwear

Competitive swimwear hasn’t changed quite as much as beach swimwear, but there’s been some evolution over the decades. Famously, Annette Kellermann attempted to swim the English Channel in 1905, aged 19. She did so in a one-piece suit that covered the legs but exposed her arms. As we’ve previously seen, this was unheard of in the 1900s. In fact, Kellermann was arrested once for wearing such a suit on the beach!

Sarah Frances “Fanny” Durak won gold for Australia in the 100m freestyle during the 1912 Olympic games. At this point, professional swimmers wore the Janzen-style body-clinging suit, though still with shorts at a length.

Professional swimmers in the 1920s sported belts with their one piece suits, and the swim skirt stayed strong all the way to the 1950s. It wasn’t really until the 1970s that we saw swim suits become more streamlined for female swimmers. With no skirts to cause drag from the water, the suits were cut low at the hip. It was in the 70s that Shane Gould took home three gold medals for her country, along with a bronze and silver medal to boot!

Fast-forward to the 2000s, and professional swimmers started wearing full-body suits. These suits were noted to reduce drag with their form-fitting, streamlined design, and compressed parts of the body to further help improve swimming. So much so that 130 world records were broken in swimming between 2008 and 2009. As a result, such suits were banned from further professional use. After the ban, 2010 saw echoes of 1920s styles, as men are now required to cover only from navel to knee, and women from shoulder to knee.

From vintage to modern and echoing back to vintage, swimwear styles have changed.But where will the future take swimwear to next? What do the next generation of swimwear designers have planned to continue the trend of change?

Sources

https://time.com/4383860/swimsuit-evolution-bikini-origins-history/

https://www.bustle.com/articles/140660-the-evolution-of-the-bathing-suit-from-the-1800s-until-today-proves-one-very-important-thing

https://www.garnethill.com/threadsbygarnethill/2017/05/12/century-swim-evolution-swimsuit/

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/a19922182/how-bathing-suits-have-changed-over-100-years/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3739437/How-competitive-swimwear-changed-past-century.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3632169/How-men-s-swimwear-evolved-100-years.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annette_Kellermann

https://www.vogue.com/article/puka-shell-necklaces-cheesy-90s-style-prada-louis-vuitton

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsy_Bitsy_Teenie_Weenie_Yellow_Polkadot_Bikini

https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminsetiawan/2018/02/23/5-mens-swimwear-trends-for-fall-2018-from-project-trade-show/#3ec9aef5351c

https://www.glamour.com/gallery/swimwear-trends-2018

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