Annette sewed leggings onto her swimsuit to comply with the law, but she wasn't happy about it

If you’ve never heard of Annette Kellerman, we’re hardly surprised. She’s not exactly the household name. But we, the ladies of Swim Couture, sing the praises of this 20th Century woman who did so much for women’s swimwear!

Born in 1887, Annette Kellerman was already making waves around the world by age 20, when she invented synchronized swimming by performing the first water ballet in a glass tank at the New York Hippodrome. The next year, she was arrested in Boston for attempting to swim on a public beach in a men’s swimsuit – which ended above the knee. Scandalous! In court, Annette insisted that she was simply trying to be practical and that the leggings and heavy bathing dresses required of women at the time were like “swimming in chains.” She also said, “I can’t swim wearing more stuff than you hang on a clothesline.”

To that we say: “You go girl!”

Annette was a professional swimmer, a vaudeville and film star,  a writer, and of course an advocate for the change of women’s swimwear and women’s rights. She even has her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A thought on how far we’ve come. From THAT to this:

Cabachon One Piece Swimsuit by Badgley Mischka

Hats off to women’s swimwear.

Source: “Annette Kellerman – Australia’s Forgotten Icon” by Kerrie Davies, Marie Claire, February 2, 2007.

As much as we like seeing them glammed up and looking impeccable, we also seem to have an obsession with seeing celebrities at their worst. It almost makes them seem like normal human beings! One of the best times for capturing celebs in their natural state is at the beach in a swimsuit. From one piece disasters to sexy swimwear gone wrong, we’ll take a look at some truly horrible celebrity swimsuit moments of recent time. Enjoy!

Jack Nicholson might want to think twice about eating the entire thing.

Tyra Banks was raked over the coals for her less than model like figure in this 2007 shoot sporting a one piece swimsuit.

Mischa Barton claimed this unflattering photo of her was doctored by the photographer. What do you think?

Fashion mogul Donatella Versace could have used some fashion advice before hitting the beach. She may be sporting designer swimwear, but a cover-up might have done the trick!

Even former supermodel Cindy Crawford is not immune from the watchful eye of the paparazzi. We still think she looks great, but bloggers had a field day with her once flawless physique.

A rumored recipient of surgery Courtney Love could also have gone for some treatment on her sagging tummy skin.

Rocker John Mayer pulls a major no-no aboard a cruise with this bright green one-piece wonder. Here’s hoping it was all a big joke! Right John?