RUDI GERNREICH

Rudi Gernreich, 1922-1985
Austrian-born Rudi Gernreich’s early career as a dancer informed his fashions, providing him with a clear understanding of the body’s movement. Gernreich’s topless bathing suit of 1964 earned the designer a great amount of publicity, but the larger scope of his colourful, innovative designs, especially in boldly-patterned knit fabrics, have secured his fashion legacy. Designs under his signature label could be prohibitively expensive for the average customer, but his equally stylish, moderately-priced choices for Harmon knitwear ensured that his inventive styles reached a wider audience.