Skinny Dipping

Last year, the blogosphere was rocked by a grovelling statement by Republican Congressman Kevin Yoder, who admitted that, during a fact-finding trip to the Holy Land in 2011, he had succumbed to post-dinner high spirits and “jumped into the water without a swimsuit.” Word was that the FBI were investigating the incident, eyewitnesses were being probed and serious questions were being asked in Washington – a moment of public nudity had placed a career in jeopardy, along with raising severe concerns for the American press’s sense of perspective. Surely a spontaneous moment of nude swimming is a cause for celebration, not censure? That is certainly the attitude on AnOther Loves this week, where this shot of a nubile pair of unclothed divers has won the Loves vote for jewellery and accessories designer Tiffany Phillips.

"Surely a spontaneous moment of nude swimming is a cause for celebration, not censure?"

It is stating the obvious to say that skinny dipping has been taking place for as long as people have been swimming. This is no chicken and egg question; before swimsuits were invented in the mid-19th century, people wanted to have a dip without getting their clothes wet, so have forever been venturing into seas, lakes, ponds and streams without sartorial encumbrance. But it wasn’t until 1947 that the term was first recorded in the OED as an official name for the practice, a late date that arguably reflects an increasingly stringent attitude towards the propriety of nude swimming, rather than a loosening one. As the years have gone by, and swimming costumes have got skimpier, nude swimming has been sidelined somewhat, becoming associated with the batty practices of obstreperous naturists, or late night drinking sessions that get out of hand – as with Congressman Yoder. However, the victory of this picture on the Loves vote perhaps demonstrates that, given the weather, the sea and the opportunity, very few of us would turn down a sunny skinny dip.

Here we speak to Phillips about what prompted this Love and her favourite spots to swim sans swimsuit.

Why did you Love this picture?
I found it through a tumblr I follow and instantly loved the feelings and nostalgia it stirred. 

Where would you hang it if you owned it?
In the summerhouse my husband and I will build one day – right now that's a dream and so is this photograph.

Have you skinny dipped?
Yes of course! I grew up on the Florida Gulf of Mexico – skinny dipping comes with the territory I suppose. Also I have skinny dipped several times in the Mediterranean, which is just as warm and comforting as the Gulf. 

What are your favourite summer pastimes?
Anything outdoors really. My husband and I love swimming lengths so we try to go as often as the weather permits in London. Same rule applies to BBQ-ing. If we go home to my place in Florida, it's basically being outside on the beach all day cooking in the sun, swimming, kayaking, fishing, drinking beer and eating seafood.

What are the ingredients for the perfect summer holiday?
A good group of people (who won't end up killing each other) is a must, then above all carefree attitudes and a sense of adventure. Also the sea, a boat, and a BBQ really help.

Where is your favourite beach/sea?
Where I summer on the Gulf in Florida, at Cape San Blas. It's totally quiet and very much a forgotten coast. On the Pacific coast, I love Zapallar in Chile, which is very close to where I was born and where my family is. 

What are you most looking forward to about July?
Meeting up with my family in Jerusalem for my cousin Lula's wedding and swimming in the Dead Sea!

What was the last thing you bought?
Sterling Silver rods to make my first prototype for our label, and Epoisses Berthaut cheese from La Bouche on Broadway Market – it's delicious.

Text by Tish Wrigley