The Bikini Timeline

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1946: This was an explosive year. Bikini Atoll becomes no Bikini at all. In Paris, engineer Louis Reard quietly unveils a swimsuit of the same name. The world yawns.

1951: Bikinis, perhaps seen as an unfair advantage to the wearer (and as potentially dangerous to the health of some judges) are banned from beauty pageants after the Miss World Contest. The tasteful one-piece reigns supreme.

1957: Bikini-clad Brigitte Bardot frolics in "And God Created Woman," creating a hot market for the swimwear. Coincidentally, Hollywood markets 3D glasses in theaters.

1960: Brian Hyland sings "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," triggering a bikini-buying spree among American teens.

1963: The bikini meets a challenge in the generous form of Annette Funicello. The ex-mouseketeer's "Beach Party," with singer Frankie Avalon, leads to six sequels, including the memorably titled "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini" (in 1966). No special effects were used.

1964: The bi- ("two") kini becomes the mono- ("one") kini, in the eyes of designer Rudi Gernreich. The Vatican denounces the topless garb. An unrepentant Gernreich sells more than 3,000 bathing suits in less than a season in Europe. More Americans go abroad.

1966: The bikini grows fur in "One Million Years B.C.," which catapults comely cave girl Raquel Welch to stardom despite mixed reviews of the saggy screen saga.

1970s: Rio and St. Tropez produce the Tanga bikini - also called the Thong bikini, the string bikini or "dental floss." The uncomfortable design becomes de rigueur for teen posters, muscle car magazines and boxing ring girls who announce the rounds.

1983: Carrie Fisher, as Princess Leia, wears an ornate version of the bikini (studded collar optional) in "Return of the Jedi." Even Yoda notices. The film is the most successful of the George Lucas trilogy.

1993: Score one for the "sports bikini." The hugging halter-top design becomes the rage, thanks to the Volleyball queen Gabrielle Reece and MTV.

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