“As if I invented nudity”
Rudi Gernreich’s provocative lingerie and swimwear collections far precede today’s ‘Free the Nipple’ movement. Never before had they been so small and unconstricted. Gernreich’s vision was a celebration of nudity and the liberation of the human body.
Rudi Gerneich’s ‘No Bra’ for Exquisite Form, from an article entitled “Here I Am: All Me—Naturally.” (Gianni Penati, Vogue, 1965).
Daphné Dayle in Rudi Gernreich’s Monokini (Paul Schutzer, 1964).
Peggy Moffitt, Gernreich’s long time muse, modeling the Monokini (William Claxton, 1964).
Lisa Taylor and Jerry Hall in his ‘Thong’ swimsuits, by Bob Cunningham (Helmut Newton, Vogue, 1975).
‘Thong’ swimsuits for men and women.
Gernreich’s ‘Thong’ designed for Lily of France (1978).
Rudi Gernreich with models wearing ‘Thong’ swimsuits. (Willian Claxton, 1974).
The ‘Pubikini’ had a window to display the wearers dyed pubic hair, and was his final design statement before his death (Helmut Newton, 1985).