History's Best Selling Fashion of 1946

Hats off to 1946! Few fashion commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Bikini. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Jelly shoes and essential classics, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Louis Réard and Meduse set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Bikini

   Released in 1946 by Louis Réard

   The bikini made its explosive debut on July 5, 1946, at a Parisian public pool, instantly sending shockwaves through a post-war world unaccustomed to such sartorial audacity. Named after the Bikini Atoll, where atomic bomb tests were then underway, its creator, Louis Réard, famously declared it "smaller than the world's smallest swimsuit." Its launch was less a fashion show and more a cultural detonation, met with both moral outrage and undeniable fascination. Initially struggling to find a model willing to wear the scandalous two-piece, Réard hired a nude dancer, Micheline Bernardini, whose fearless presentation cemented the bikini's place in history, promising a revolution in beachwear and women's liberation.

2. Jelly shoes

   Released in 1946 by Meduse, Grendene

   Jelly shoes burst onto the global fashion scene in the 1980s, becoming an instant sensation and a must-have accessory for children, teenagers, and even adults. Their immediate popularity stemmed from their vibrant, often translucent colors, playful aesthetic, and affordable price point, making them accessible to a broad audience. While their widespread commercial success peaked in the 80s, the conceptual roots of these unique plastic shoes trace back to post-World War II Europe. This ingenious footwear offered a refreshing departure from traditional leather shoes, embodying a spirit of casual fun and setting a new trend for unconventional materials in mainstream fashion.