After a particularly cold winter here in New York, “swimsuit season” is officially upon us, leading millions of women to contemplate ways to reveal their skin while still maintaining a delicate balance of modesty, functionality, and style.

Being able to identify the origins and historical significance of archival materials is truly satisfying, and—dare I say it?—quite fun.

This is the second part of our series on the history of women’s swimwear. Click here to view Part 1!

The Parsons fashion design program has been the starting point for many of today’s industry leaders. Not many people know that before Tim Gunn was the host of Project Runway, he was the Chair of Fashion at Parsons School of Fashion.

The Fashion Design program at Parsons has always been known for its professors and mentors, and the professors have always been industry professionals who bring the students outside of the classroom and into the real world.

Throughout the history of the Parsons fashion department from 1950-present there have been many important events that have helped shape the fashion department into the prestigious program that it is today.