Photo provided to Shanghai Star.

The modern bikini was introduced by French designer Jacques Heim in Paris in 1946 and was seen as a signal of women's "second liberation". However, it was declared "illegal" and even "sinful" by many countries in the early days. It did not come into popularity until the mid-1960s, when a galaxy of Hollywood actresses boldly put it on for magazine and publicity photos.

It is believed that the fi rst bikini to be worn in public in China was in 1986, at the fourth national aerobic exercise contest. Four female contestants, encouraged by their coach from Guangdong province, the most "edgy region" in China, competed in bikinis and created a nationwide sensation.

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