Despite the winter weather looming it seems we have recently turned our attentions to the more summery realm of the poolside. For S/S12 Christopher Kane sent his models out in embellished pool sandals, MAN designer Matthew Miller dressed his models
Despite the winter weather looming it seems we have recently turned our attentions to the more summery realm of the poolside. For S/S12 Christopher Kane sent his models out in embellished pool sandals, MAN designer Matthew Miller dressed his models in neoprene scuba shoes and on AnOther Loves this week Inside Outside Pool, 1001 Nights Swimming Pool, Christmas Swimming and Cat-Shaped Pool all scored highly in the Most Loved vote of the week. The winner however was the Cat-Shaped Pool, which Modem's Lucia Mariani found whilst browsing pool images after seeing Stefano Cerio’s Winter Aquapark exhibtion catalogue.
Artificial pools stretch back to the time of Ancient Greeks and Romans who built them for athletic training, nautical games and military exercises. Roman emperors also had their own private swimming pools in which fish were often kept, hence one of the Latin words for a pool: piscina. Today swimming pools are widespread with uses ranging from recreation, exercise, competition and rehabilitation. From David Hockney’s iconic series of swimming pool paintings to the opening scene in Billy Wilder's 1950's film Sunset Blvd. (and obviously Jack Deray's 1969 La Piscine), they are also a big part of our popular culture.
An important feature in the lives of the rich and famous, swimming pools are often seen as a sign of status with the more elaborate and expensive the better. The notorious image of bikini-clad woman and rock stars dancing around waterfall pools at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion and underground Grotto is one we all know too well. When it comes to custom-designed pools the most notable example is actress Jayne Mansfield’s, who famously demanded “a heart-shaped house with a heart-shaped pool” before she agreed to wed Mickey Hargitay. Not only was her wish granted but she also has the prestige of owning one of the most unique celebrity swimming pools in Beverly Hills with “I love you Jayne scripted at the bottom of the pool.” Taking things to the extreme singer Celine Dion has built a $20 million “Water-park” house on Jupiter Island, Florida. The construction includes a grand mansion surrounded by huge pools and artificial rivers, which uses around six million gallons of water per year.
Here we discuss dream pools, synchronised swimming and poolside etiquette with our AnOther Lover of the week Mariani.
What made you choose to Love this Cat-Shaped Pool?
Because it's funny, has a vintage vibe and makes me thing of hot summer holiday afternoons spent by the pool.
If you could design any shaped swimming pool what would it look like?
I would love a treble clef one
Have you swam in any incredible pools – if so when and where?
In Bormio, in the Italian Alps, there is an open-air warmed swimming pool overlooking the valley. In winter time it's amazing staying in the hot water while it's snowing.
Pools feature throughout many famous films – do you have a favourite pool scene?
The one in The Graduate.
What is your favourite ‘poolside look’?
Bikini, sunglasses and some cool headpiece.
What are you views on poolside dress etiquette – topless sunbathing, thongs…?
"Less is more" doesn't apply in these situations. Some people really should wear more (and use less tanning-oil.)
Are you a keen swimmer – do you do laps or prefer lilo lounging?
I have done synchronised swimming for some year so I do love to stay in the water and play, swim, jump... But I also appreciate some lilo lounging!
What was the last thing you bought?
A pair of black and white brogues.
What is your favourite online shop?
At the moment I really love PixieMarket.com
Text by Lucia Davies
