'I was worried that I looked fat': Christie Brinkley opens up about iconic photoshoot that 'caused a stir'
Christie Brinkley is giving fans the inside scoop from one of her most iconic photoshoots.
On Monday, the 65-year-old model dug deep into the fashion archives to share a throwback snap of a Cosmopolitan magazine cover from 43 years ago. The then 22-year-old Brinkley is seen posing wearing a purple string bikini that bucked typical swimwear trends thanks to its high-cut briefs.
“In 1977 this bathing suit caused a stir!” Brinkley captioned the photo. “At the time all bikinis were low slung on the hip. This high leg cut made the hip a new erogenous zone. I couldn’t figure out how to put it on as just one string holds it all together!”
A post shared by Christie Brinkley (@christiebrinkley) on Jan 13, 2020 at 10:17am PST
The mother-of-three also revealed to her more than 580,000 followers how much photoshoots have changed in the past four decades. With no Photoshop or digital retouching, the crew worked hard to make sure the model’s makeup and “every strand of hair” was perfect.
Brinkley, despite her fit frame, admitted she used to stress over her appearance and weight, adding that she used to believe she didn’t “measure up” to people’s expectations.
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“I remember I was worried that I looked fat. I’m so glad that today our industry appreciates all shapes and sizes so we can just focus on being healthy. Not cookie cutter...” she lamented. “I look back at these and think that [worrying] was such a waste of time. If the only perspective we gain with age that alleviates the worries could be passed on and absorbed by the younger generation...but I do think shifting the focus to feeling great is a giant step in the right direction.”
Thousands of Brinkley’s followers wrote to the fashion icon, recalling purchasing the magazine years ago.
“I remember this. I’ve been getting my bikinis made for me since 1987 from the same seamstress,” one follower wrote. “I described it to her and picked out the lavender colour. She made it nearly exactly to [yours] and I loved it...the one long string was tricky to put on. Wish I still had it.”
“I bought this magazine in 1977 and my friends and I were all jealous of your beauty and body,” another added, which prompted a reply from the supermodel.
“I would never have guest that! I was worried I could never measure up,” Brinkley answered. “I think a little insecurity can be good though, as it keeps you searching for other options when the jobs stop and that keeps life interesting.”
More than 40 years later, high-cut bikinis are still ultra-popular. If you’re looking to recreate Brinkley’s iconic list, check out some of our favouritelooks below.
Seafolly High-Cut Bikini Bottoms
SHOP IT: $27 (Originally $44)
ZAFUL Textured Bandeau Bikini Set
SHOP IT: ZAFUL, $18 ($14 USD)
Summersalt The Belted High Leg High-Rise Bottom
SHOP IT: Summersalt, $59 ($45 USD)
Aerie XO Ribbed High-Cut Cheeky Bottom
SHOP IT: Aerie, $30
H&M V-cut Bikini Bottoms
SHOP IT: H&M, $15
TOPSHOP Houndstooth High Leg Bikini Bottoms
SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $22
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