Peggy Moffitt modeling ensemble designed by Rudi Gernreich, Fall 1968 collection. Photograph © William Claxton, LLC, courtesy of Demont Photo Management & Fahey/Klein Gallery Los Angeles, with permission of the Rudi Gernreich trademark.
May 9–September 1, 2019
This exhibition was on view at the Skirball
May 9–September 1, 2019
Los Angeles fashion designer Rudi Gernreich (1922–1985) introduced the “monokini,” the thong, unisex caftans, pantsuits for women, and enough inventive clothing to earn him a worldwide reputation. Yet Gernreich was far more than one of the most prominent designers of his time—his clothing was fearless. Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich explored the visionary and progressive ensembles that transcended rigid social expectations and championed authenticity above all.
Gernreich, a Viennese Jew, immigrated to the United States from Austria in 1938, fleeing the oppressive and anti-Semitic Nazi regime. Beginning with his life in Los Angeles, the exhibition examined the circumstances that enabled Gernreich to grow into a trailblazing designer—from his early career as a dancer for the Lester Horton Dance Theater to his role as a founding member of The Mattachine Society, a gay rights organization. It showed how Gernreich dovetailed his personal background with his design vision to champion freedom of expression through his work.
The exhibition featured over eighty Gernreich ensembles, along with accessories, original sketches, photographs, ephemera, and newly filmed interviews of friends and colleagues. All mannequins for this exhibition were custom produced with flat feet—a deviation from industry standard. Flat feet were a design feature Gernreich emphasized, dressing his models barefoot or in sensible short-heeled or flat shoes. Illustrating how Gernreich challenged conventional notions of beauty, identity, and gender, Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich revealed how the designer redefined style in ways that continue to influence fashion today.
Hear fashion designer Renee Firestone on how dance inspired Rudi Gernreich's designs.
Former fashion model and friend of Rudi Gernreich Léon Bing fondly remembers him as a "mensch."
Former fashion model Barbara Flood on Rudi Gernreich's support of individuality and comfort.
Hear former fashion model Renée Holt on her experience modeling for Rudi Gernreich's "Unisex" collection.
The idiosyncratic style of fashion designer Rudi Gernreich
KCRW’s “Press Play” | May 29, 2019
The Designer Who Wanted to Liberate People from Gendered Clothing
Hyperallergic | May 22, 2019
Rudi Gernreich: Fashion-Made For These Times
Forbes | May 21, 2019
How L.A. designer Rudi Gernreich shifted fashion politics
Los Angeles Times | May 17, 2019
Rudi Gernreich ‘Fearless Fashion’ Exhibition Opens in L.A.
Women’s Wear Daily | May 9, 2019
Fearless fashion designer Rudi Gernreich gets his due
KCRW’s “DnA: Design and Architecture” | May 8, 2019
How Rudi Gernreich's Style Inspired George Lucas’s 1971 Film 'THX 1138' and 'Star Wars'
Hollywood Reporter | March 1, 2019
Rudi Gernreich Exhibition to Bow at Skirball Cultural Center
Women’s Wear Daily | January 28, 2019
The exhibition and its related educational programs at the Skirball Cultural Center are made possible by generous support from the following donors:
Larry Bell
Barbara Timmer and Catherine Benkaim
Stephanie and Harold Bronson
CNL Mannequins
Marcia Israel Foundation
Karsh Family Foundation
Suzanne and Jenni Kayne
Sandy and Hank Abouaf
Barbra Streisand
