"Kabuki Dress"

Rudi Gernreich|Bloomingdale Brothers Inc.

ca. 1963 · wool · Costume Institute

Never one to follow the crowd, Rudi Gernreich designed fashion that was shocking as well as ground breaking. Working predominately in knitwear, he later included vinyl and plastics. His designs promoted a "freeing" of the body as well as unified fashion. His "monokini" or topless bathing suit design of 1964 made headlines, bringing his fashions into the spotlight. Following this was a series of innovations, such as the "pubikini", the thong bathing suit, and the collection of "UNISEX" garments. As a designer, Gernreich consistently challenged the boundaries of fashion. Modeled by Gernreich's favorite model and muse, Peggy Moffitt, the "Kabuki" dress combines aspects of traditional Japanese garments with geometric patterning. The kimono-style belt, traditionally at the natural waist has been raised, flattening the bust. The kimono sleeves are long and loose fitting and the skirt is considered short for the period. These design elements are characteristic of the designer, as he promoted youth and movement in dress.

Artist

Rudi Gernreich|Bloomingdale Brothers Inc.

Date

ca. 1963

Medium

wool

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Mike Epstein, 1972