For the summer of 1954 the source of inspiration for many designers was the life of Puerto Rico, the newest hot spot for tourists. On the main line for sea and air travelers, by 1954 it attracted as many tourists as Bermuda. Below, on Caribe Beach, are three new tight knit tubes (Sportwhirl, $9) worn with snorkels for breating underwater. These clothes, photographed by William Helburn, are sleek, favor white, red and brilliant blue.
Undersized trenchcoat in cotton gabardine (Loomtogs, $10) is abbreviated version of authentic detective garb. This is Luquillo Beach, an hour's drive from San Juan.
Fireman's red used in cotton poplin shirtwaist dress (Reid & Reid, $15) matches equipment in one of the world's oldest existing volunteer firehouse, gaudy Parque de Bombas in village of Ponce.
Local hat of straw is worn with high-necked dress (B. H. Wragge, $40) at San Juan baseball park. Games of the Puerto Rican league are regularly sold out during the season, October through February.
Travel dress made of Dacron-cotton fabric needs no ironing after being washed (David Crystal, $35). Wearer holds a fighting cock, a champion at the local sport, second in popularity to baseball.
Velvet streamers trail down back of short cotton evening dress (Jerry Gilden, $18) shown at roulette table in Casino of the Caribe Hilton Hotel. Gambling was legalized in Puerto Rico in 1948.
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images and info provided by the LIFE Magazine / LIFE Magazine International / LIFE Magazine Atlantic ARCHIVE from the Zetu Harrys Collection
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