Catalina (originally Bentz Knitting Mills, later Pacific Knitting Mills and Catalina Knitting Mills) is an American swimwear brand founded in 1907 in Los Angeles, California. Once one of the largest swimwear manufacturers in the United States, Catalina played a significant role in the development of American swimwear fashion and was instrumental in the creation of the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants in 1952.
History
Early years (1907-1928)
The company was founded in 1907 by John C. Bentz as Bentz Knitting Mills, a small Los Angeles manufacturer of underwear and sweaters.
During the 1920s, Catalina - alongside competitors Jantzen in Oregon and Cole of California - was part of a wave of West Coast manufacturers that capitalized on the era's growing interest in outdoor sports and physical fitness.
In the 1940s, the company enlisted prominent Hollywood costume designers, including Orry-Kelly, Milo Anderson, Edith Head, and Travis Banton, to design swimwear collections.
Miss America dispute and creation of Miss USA / Miss Universe
Catalina sponsored the Miss America pageant until 1951, when that year's winner, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose for publicity photographs wearing a Catalina swimsuit. In response, the company withdrew its sponsorship and in 1952 organized two rival competitions: the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, held concurrently in Long Beach, California.
Post-war period and corporate ownership changes
By the mid-20th century, the company shortened its name to simply Catalina (from 1955). a swimwear manufacturer established in 1925. The duo later joined Authentic Fitness Corporation, a subsidiary of Warnaco Inc, in 1993. The merger created a company of swim, active and fitness brands. The following year, with the rising importance of mass market retailers, the decision was made to offer Catalina to Wal-Mart stores across America.
In 1975, Catalina was acquired by Kayser-Roth Corporation, the apparel division of Gulf & Western. Under Warnaco, Catalina became part of its Swimwear Group portfolio, which also included Speedo, Anne Cole, Nautica, and Michael Kors swimwear lines.
In 1994, Catalina began distribution through Walmart stores across the United States, shifting the brand toward the mass market retail segment.
See also
- Cole of California
- Jantzen
- Miss Universe
- Miss USA
- History of swimwear