The only thing I don't like about it, is how contemporary artists turn it into a high cut thong.

I kind of think high-cut thong bathing suits should not exist on general principle, because they're uncomfortable and also tend not to look as good on women who actually have hips as other cuts of bathing suit. But when you try to find a bathing suit that's smaller than a size 10, it's frequently high-cut all the way.