My mother used to wear a rubber bathing cap covered in rubber petals in the 1950s and early 1960s. I thought this was the most glamourous thing I had ever seen and longed to have one when I grew up. Now I can’t think of anything much worse than diving into a wave with a head covered with rubber.
Thankfully the clever Italians have come up with a reason to bring these things back. They have turned them into waterproof bags for your wet swimsuit. At last I can have one, without having to put it on my head.
I found them at this great shop in Lucca, behind the San Michele church.
They sell lots of other great things for the beach.
The company is called Brandina and this is what they say about themselves…Brandina is full of passion, joy and happiness, a timeless icon of seaside design. The sea is happiness wherever you are, Brandina has the beach inside and always brings you to the seaside.
If that doesn’t make you want to buy one of their products, perhaps this will. Their handbags come with a keyring with a transparent envelope containing sand from the Riviera.
I love those old bathing caps! My mum used to always wear one at the beach in Glenelg, SA in the 50’s. What a great idea to resurrect their purpose.
By: Paula on July 4, 2014
at 10:27 pm
It is good to see them back.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:49 am
I too remember the very flash bathing caps…..what a clever way to reinvent them!
By: Jim & Kerry on July 4, 2014
at 10:29 pm
I wanted one very badly when I was young and now I have one.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:48 am
These bags are pretty.
By: ranu802 on July 4, 2014
at 10:37 pm
They are indeed.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:48 am
Hi Deb What a gorgeous store and those “bathing caps” look fab.
By: Lyn on July 4, 2014
at 10:37 pm
I had to buy one even though I rarely carry a wet swimsuit.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:48 am
The Italian Riviera, of course? The pink frilly number’d do me! 🙂
By: The Wanderlust Gene on July 4, 2014
at 10:45 pm
It would have to be the Italian Riviera.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:47 am
Very clever idea! Nice store
By: simplysands on July 5, 2014
at 2:43 am
I think it is a great idea to bring them back.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:47 am
I remember, I wore those my self.
By: corneliaweberphotography on July 5, 2014
at 4:17 am
They were very popular. All my mother’s friends had them too.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:46 am
What a clever idea! They look colourful and beautiful!
By: mulino dominillo on July 5, 2014
at 6:14 am
The shop is fairly new I think. It should do well in summer.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:46 am
Love that shop, lovely things in there x
By: janetknight57 on July 5, 2014
at 8:07 am
I love the pretty colours, perfect for summer at the beach.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:45 am
There is also a shop at at Peregian Beach which also sells them
By: Anonymous on July 5, 2014
at 9:12 am
I will have to check it out.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:44 am
Only in Italy could an idea like this come of looking so gorgeous!!! What a beautiful little find!
By: janinevasta on July 5, 2014
at 10:23 am
Trust the Italians to come up with something so smart.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:43 am
Clever strategy!!! Everything in that shop looks tempting!
By: Madhu on July 5, 2014
at 11:08 am
It is clever, I’m sure their products will do well.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:43 am
Too many lovely things to buy!! Great post!
By: lizbert1 on July 5, 2014
at 3:04 pm
There were several things that I would like to buy in that shop. I’m sure I will be back.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:42 am
I will have to hunt it down!! 😉
By: lizbert1 on July 11, 2014
at 10:10 pm
I love it!
By: The Daily Cure on July 5, 2014
at 6:19 pm
It is a fun shop.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:42 am
What a brilliant idea. I had a couple of those petal hat, which I thought were really chic at the time. 😆
By: anotherday2paradise on July 5, 2014
at 6:35 pm
I loved my mother’s swimming caps, but I could never wear one. I live to dive into a wave and feel the water all around me.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:41 am
Love the pink one with the white petals! Did you buy that one, Deb?
By: Sandra Hoopmann on July 6, 2014
at 12:38 am
I bought a green one with flower petals all over.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:40 am
I remember these! In fact when I saw the first photo the swimming caps were the first thing I thought about! 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on July 6, 2014
at 3:12 am
We thought they were very glamourous at the time.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:39 am
Oh dear Debra, you are amazing, I loved them so much 🙂 Thanks and Love, nia
By: niasunset on July 6, 2014
at 6:42 am
Who would have thought these things could be out to good use.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2014
at 11:39 am