You know summertime is right around the corner when the temperature starts rising and people start wearing less clothing. Consequently, Creative Loafing presents our Summer Guide 2011: Swimsuit Edition, guaranteed to help you kick off the hot weather months right. But if you're looking for the typical Sports Illustrated-type models in thongs, you've come to the wrong place. The folks we're featuring are some of Charlotte's rising stars, including local musicians, a burlesque dancer and even a viral video sensation.
Check out our salute to all things vintage, as our models sport swimsuits from the 1960s, '70s and '80s in some of the city's best retro spots.
Creative Loafing columnist/TV host Brittney Cason poses in a late-'60s psychedelic mod one-piece from The Rat's Nest (442 E. 36th St.) with media personality Cubby Squires, known for his spoof of Beyonce's hit song 'Single Ladies.' Photo taken at Diamond Restaurant (www.diamondcharlotte.com).
Athlete, trainer and neo-soul singer Trish Andrews flexes her muscles in an early 1960s-esque two-piece, courtesy of Kitsh-y-Cool Vintage (www.kitschycoolvintage.com) at Sleepy Poets Antique Mall. Photo taken at Hong Kong Vintage (www.hongkongvintage.com).
The members of local band Fat Camp, (left to right) Lee Grutman and Adam Phillips model their own colorful gear, while bassist Philip Shive sports a pair of late 1980s-era JAMS flamingo trunks, from The Rat's Nest (442 E. 36th St.). Photo taken at Pinky's Westside Grill (www.eatatpinkys.com).
Kaya Stowers, aka burlesque dancer Cherry Von Bomb, flaunts a black faux bikini, circa 1980, courtesy of Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage (www.kitschycoolvintage.com) in Sleepy Poets Antique Mall. Model, poet and actor Toochukwu 'T.C.' Anyachonkeya (whose book is available here) dons a pair of green Birdwell Beach Britches from the '70s, found at The Rat's Nest (442 E. 36th St.). Photo taken at The Rat's Nest.
