I just came across these vintage Jantzen ads illustrated by Pete Hawley and now I am absolutely obsessed. The style, the colors, the way the characters practically pop off the page - it feels like they're about to wink at you or dive straight into the pool. Honestly, I need Pixar to make a whole movie in this exact style, because it's just that good.
These weren't just swimsuit ads. They were little slices of mid-century fantasy - impossibly glamorous couples lounging at the beach, cheeky poolside flirts, perfect tans, and fashion that promised you could step into a postcard-perfect world. Hawley's art took something as simple as a swimsuit and turned it into a story about summer, romance, and joy.
What blows my mind is the technical execution. Every line has so much life, every detail is sharp, and every smile feels like it belongs in an animated classic. These ads aren't just selling clothes, they're selling an entire mood. Looking at them today feels like peeking into an alternate retro universe where everything is sunny and cinematic.
