In the course of his years as a LIFE staff photographer, the legendary Gordon Parks took on a great many memorable subjects. He explored issues of race and of poverty. He famously dramatized the Ralph Ellison novel Invisible Man. He also happened to be a masterly fashion photographer.
In 1956 he traveled to Havana for a beachwear shoot, at a time when the island was a popular travel destination for Americans, before FIdel Castro came to power and Cuban-American relations turned hostile. Enjoy, as the pictures capture not just the fashions of the moment but the feelings of playfulness and relaxation that come with a day at the beach.
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Beach fashions, Cuba, 1956.
Gordon Parks/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
