From the Vaults: Rose Marie Reid

Guesst: John Murphy, BYU Special Archives Historian; Carole Reid Burr, Daughter of Fashion Designer Rose Marie Reid  Any woman who’s bought a swimming suit with a slimming panel in the tummy, an underwire bra for extra support or a flouncy skirt to flatter the hips, owes a debt to Rose Marie Reid. If you’ve noticed the retro look that’s so popular right now poolside, thank Rose Marie Reid. During the 40s and 50s, she pioneered the notion that women could look and feel beautiful in a bathing suit. She used exotic fabrics and design tricks to flatter all shapes and sizes. Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and the cast of the movie “Gidget” wore Rose Marie Reid originals. By 1960, her company was worth $18 million. Adding to her intrigue is that fact that Reid was twice-divorced, a mother of three, and a Mormon.