Rudi Gernreich (1922–1985) was an Austrian-American fashion designer known for his bold, avant-garde designs that challenged conventional ideas about gender, sexuality, and the body. He is most famous for creating the monokini in 1964, a topless swimsuit that became an icon of the 1960s counterculture.
Gernreich also embraced unisex clothing and was an early adopter of synthetic materials and minimalist, modernist styles. His work, which often carried political and social themes, influenced later designers and helped shape fashion’s progressive approach to gender and body expression.
These vintage photos captured portraits of classic beauties wearing impressive fashion designs by Rudi Gernreich in the 1960s.
Tamara Nyman in silk crêpe cardigan suit of burnished brass and stinging pink that is three-way reversible by Rudi Gernreich, Cardoro earrings, photo by Karen Radkai, Vogue, June 1, 1961
Iris Bianchi in green bloused, rayon matte jersey bathing suit by Rudi Gernreich, photo by Melvin Sokolsky, Harper’s Bazaar, May 1961
China Machado in Bahama blue silk crêpe shift with a “T” of brass-colored silk extending down to the hem, by Rudi Gernreich, photo by Richard Avedon, Harper’s Bazaar, May 1961
China Machado in pink and orange silk crêpe shift cut on the diagonal by Rudi Gernreich, photo by Richard Avedon, Harper’s Bazaar, May 1961
Benedetta Barzini in lacquered black satin close-cropped jacket and narrow pants over black ciré chiffon shirt by Rudi Gernreich, photo by Gene Laurents, Vogue, November 15, 1964
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