At just 21, Kenzie Ziegler has mastered the art of the sun-drenched selfie, but her latest post offers more than just seasonal warmth. On April 22, the former *Dance Moms* star shared an image lounging in a black string bikini - a design whose lineage traces directly to the daring, minimalist swimwear of the 1970s. The triangle top, with its thick halter straps, and the barely-there string bottoms echo the revolutionary silhouettes that emerged when brands like Frankie's Bikinis (founded in 2012 as a nod to retro Californian ease) began reimagining the two-piece. Ziegler's choice is a direct descendant of the original string bikini, which, when introduced by brands such as Gottex in the 1970s, challenged conservative norms by minimizing fabric while maximizing freedom. Her copper hair loose and face makeup-free, she embodies a specific, sunlit confidence - one that the lingerie and swimwear industries have long marketed as the ultimate luxury. This isn't mere nostalgia; it's a continuation. In June 2025, she posed in a red Frankie's Bikini set with beaded cups and a gold bodychain, a look that recalls the 1990s revival of hip-hugging chains and underboob exposure. At Coachella, she wore a barely-there top that prioritized cleavage and movement over coverage. Each of these moments, from the string bottom to the chain, is a chapter in the ongoing story of how women use minimal garments to make maximal statements. The string bikini, once a scandal, is now a staple - and Ziegler wears it as both a fashion choice and a historical echo.
Originally reported by US Magazine