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Cole of California is a pioneering American swimwear brand established in 1917, originally as a division of West Coast Manchester Knitting Mills, a maker of men's long knitted underwear. Founded by F.L. and Joseph Drane and later transformed by Fred Cole (born Frederick Cohn), the brand became synonymous with glamorous, innovative swimwear that challenged conservative norms. Fred Cole, leveraging his Hollywood acting experience, introduced the iconic 1925 'Hollywood Swimsuit' featuring a sleevel...
ess design, low back, and short skirt, which was revolutionary for its time. The brand gained further acclaim under the creative direction of Margit Felligi, a Hollywood costume designer hired in 1936, who introduced cotton suits, daring white swimsuits, and the famous 'Swoon Suit' with side lacing.
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