In her element as a Tropézienne, Brigitte Bardot cultivated an effortless, tousled, laid-back brand of glam that was all her own. The actress, style icon, and animal activist had a natural sex appeal and carefree spirit – the opposite of her tightly corseted bombshell contemporaries Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Her easygoing glamazon aesthetic was a breath of fresh air to beach babes (and bros, of course) when she hit the scene in the 1950′s, and continues to inspire today.

xx, L*SPACE

As far as rad midkini shots through the ages go, we think this snap of Grace Kelly in the 1950′s really takes the cake. No fake tan, hair extensions, botox, fillers, or lipo here – just a natural beauty in a classic bikini, enjoying a day at the beach. Très chic! 

xx, L*SPACE