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.